Rebelle Rally – All Woman Off-Road Adventure

December 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Blending the love of driving with the ultimate challenge of precise navigation, the Rebelle Rally is an all female off-road navigation rally that covers more than 2,000 kilometers across the Nevada and California desert over 7 days of competition. The rally is not a race for speed, but a unique and demanding event based on the elements of headings, hidden checkpoints, time, and distance using maps, compass, and roadbook.

Rebelle Rally: First women’s off-road navigation rally in the US

It is designed as a hybrid of serious competition and the ultimate road trip comprised of dirt roads, double tracks, trails, and sand dunes. The course includes off-road recreational vehicle venues and iconic landmarks, and will be contested in two classes:

4X4 Vehicles – 4-wheel drive vehicles that have a two-speed transfer case (low range) -and-

Cross-Overs – Unibody construction with all-wheel drive (no low range).

Women from around the globe are encouraged to participate, and professional driving experience is not required.

Rebelle Rally Information

DATE: October 13-22, 2016
Website: http://www.rebellerally.com/

START

Thursday, October 13, 2016
Technical Inspection & Welcome – Lake Tahoe, CA

Friday, October 14, 2016
Rally review & transfer to Base Camp_1 – Nevada desert

FINISH

Friday, October 21, 2016
Competition Finish – Southern California dunes

Saturday, October 22, 2016
Prize Ceremony & Black Tie Gala – Del Mar Race Track, San Diego, CA

Navigate Rebelle Rally — Set your course for the Rebelle Rally

LODGING

Hotels:

Start – South Lake Tahoe. Competitors receive a complementary hotel room on 10/13/16 (shared by teammates).

Finish – Del Mar, California. Competitors receive a complementary hotel room on 10/22/16. (Discounted room rates for additional stay)

Competition:

4 Base Camps & 1 self camping night.

Base Camp is a traveling support village complete with toilets, showers, food, medical staff, mechanics, event staff, and competition officials.

Teams will self-camp at a designated location during the marathon leg. This means that you will have other teams around you along with some rally staff.

ENTRY INCLUDES

10-day event with 7 days of competition
Food & beverage including water
Camping areas – known as Base Camp
1 hotel room per team at start and finish
Safety and medical teams
Mechanics team – shared by all competitors
Maps
Tracking services for family, friends, fans, and media to follow your team online
Introductory online navigation course
1 team = two people

COSTS

$5,000 per person before May 1, 2016 | $5,500 after May 1
Vehicle and insurance
Satellite tracking equipment – TBD ($650 per team)
Anticipated fuel cost – vehicle dependent – TBD ($350 – 450 per team)
Vehicle equipment
Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad)
First aid kit
Navigation equipment – compass, ruler, plotter, and calculator
Driving and navigation training

Megan Meyer in Top Alcohol Dragster

December 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA rising upstart Megan Meyer is following in her father’s big footsteps. Randy Meyers, driver and tuner of some of the quickest and most successful A/Fuel dragsters in the NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster class history, has been grooming his 22 year-old daughter to follow in the family TAD legacy. After two years of training and a successful regional event debut earlier this year, the NHRA Central Region Rookie of the Year nominee will join her father on the NHRA circuit in 2016 as teammate and driver for a full national campaign.

Meyer drove to her first final-round finish in her Top Alcohol Dragster debut at the St. Louis regional event in August. Pleased with the promising performance, she is now poised for the 18-race schedule in 2016, with 10 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) national events and eight LODRS regional races.

Entering the Lucas Oil national points series is such a dream come true for me. I’ve been looking forward to this my entire life and now that it’s almost here, it seems surreal. After watching my dad take home a national points championship back in 2003 with Alan Bradshaw driving, and getting a first-hand look at what it takes to become a national points leader, I have complete faith our team will be a front-runner in 2016. My dad has instilled the skills of dedication, determination, sacrifice, and hard work in my upbringing, and I believe having him as crew chief of our amazing crew, consisting of my mother and little sister, is going to be the best combination in 2016,” Meyer said assuredly.

Megan Meyer graduates from Kansas’ Pittsburg State University this month, and will hit the road in 2016 across the country. The Herbalife 24 team will compete at NHRA national events in Gainesville, Charlotte, Houston, Norwalk, Chicago, Brainerd, Indianapolis, Reading, and Dallas. In addition, Megan will run the full NHRA Central Region schedule, with races in Belle Rose, Tulsa, Topeka, Earlville, and Noble – and the North Central Region events in Chicago, St. Louis and Bowling Green.

I am determined to end up number one or two in the Central Region points series, and would like to win my very first NHRA national event. Also, I cannot wait for the chance to finally race my dad – hopefully in a final round! I still plan on bracket racing my Super Comp dragster next year at a few local E.T. Races with my sister to stay sharp between NHRA races. Finally, I will be launching my own freelance design business offering my services to other race teams,” added Meyer, a graphic design student.

Though Meyer and her father are still finalizing 2016 sponsorship partners, a new apparel company called Racers Evolved has come on board with Megan that will focus on the needs of racers in all types of motorsports.

I am excited to partner with Racers Evolved because it’s created by racers, for racers. As a female racer, I think there is a big demand for certain ladies textiles that aren’t available for drag racing, because it’s a male dominant sport. With Racers Evolved, we will have all sorts of clothing options that are handpicked by me and available to anyone in 2016 to provide the female racers with proper form-fitted garments,” said Meyer.

Erica Enders on espnW IMPACT25

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

After a record breaking season, two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders was recently named to espnW’s IMPACT 25 list featuring athletes and influencers making big moves for women in sports.

Enders joined many other famous women in sports athletes such as World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, tennis star Serena Williams and UFC fighter Ronda Rousey. The list was selected by a panel of sports experts and former athletes, split into two categories: Athletes and Influencers. Honorees were captured in a special commemorative “Super” illustration by Marvel Comics. Erica’s capture depicted her as Racer XX – a tilt to her double X chromosomes.

Racer XX – Marvel’s Erica Enders Superhero

Racer XX Erica Enders — Marvel Comics “Racer XX” Erica Enders

“It’s a tremendous honor to be on this list of the best athletes in the world,” Enders said. “Thank you to ESPN and espnW for recognizing the contributions of women in sports, and thank you to the pioneers like Shirley Muldowney and Angelle Sampey for helping to pave the way for other women like me in drag racing.”

Enders has a storied career in NHRA Drag Racing, with 2015 being her most impressive season to date. She took home nine event wins in 2015, had 11 final-round appearances, six No. 1 qualifying performances, and made history with three consecutive wins by holeshots, a first for the sport. Her 2015 dominant World Championship was her 2^nd career Pro Stock title. Her nine wins also eclipsed Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in a single season.

Erica Enders has 21 career victories, making her the 39^th driver on the NHRA All-Time win list. She trails Angelle Sampey for 2^nd most winningest female driver by 20 wins

Dina Parise on Power Nation TV

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

IHRA Pro Mod World Champion, Dina Parise is set to appear on an upcoming episode of Power Nation TV with her 3,000 horsepower Pro Mod Cadillac CTS-V “Bella” and husband/crew chief Andrew Parise. Show host Katie Osborne will talk to the newly crowned champion about her transition from Ice Capades star to Drag Racing Champion.

New Sponsors: Lucas Oil and Eastwood Company

Excitement builds for Dina Parise on Power Nation TV as the team recently welcomed new sponsors Lucas Oil and Eastwood Company for the 2016 season, and will be debuting the new additions to the car/team on the show.

Erica Enders MOPAR backed in 2016

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Erica Enders/Elite Motorsports Dodge Dart GT

Two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders announced today (via NHRA.com) that her Elite team will be carrying the MOPAR banner in 2016. Enders and her Elite Motorsports teammate, Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be leading the factory backed MOPAR team in the Pro Stock ranks, campaigning a new fuel-injected Elite Motorsports Hemi-powered Dodge Dart GT.

The Mopar brand is excited to announce that two proven champions, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. will fly the Mopar colors in the NHRA Pro Stock class next season,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service for Mopar. “We couldn’t ask for greater competitors or brand ambassadors to represent us at the drag strip.”

Enders is fresh off a dominating season that saw nine event wins, 11 final-round appearances, and six No. 1 qualifying spots en route to her Back to Back Championship in 2015. She bested Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in one season with her nine victories. Erica last competed in a Dodge during her 2006-2007 season, and is excited to chase her third consecutive World Pro Stock title in 2016.

“We’re entering a new era of Pro Stock and it’s going to be awesome to take a new Mopar-powered Dodge Dart into 2016 and beyond,” said Enders. “We won the last two championships with carburetors and now the goal is to win the first one with fuel injection. The Dart Pro Stock cars look awesome and I’m already very familiar with Mopar because I’ve driven for them in the past. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent them moving forward.”

Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Drag Illustrated Announces 1^st Annual 30 under 30 List

Drag Illustrated magazine announced its inaugural ‘30 under 30’ Who Make a Difference list celebrating drag racing’s young talent. The 30 honorees will be featured in Drag Illustrated’s ‘Tomorrow’ Issue, released at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) tradeshow on Thursday, December 10.

A special press conference to honor the 30 members will be held on Thursday at 1:30PM EST in the PRI media center. The Tommorrow Issue will be available in the Drag Illustrated booth #3449 while supplies last.

“This has been one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever tackled, “ Drag Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Wes Buck said. “We set out to reward and celebrate the most talented young people the sport of drag racing has to offer, and I could not possibly be more proud of this first-ever Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 class.”

Ladies of Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30

Seven talented women of drag racing made the inaugural Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 list out of nearly 5,000 nominations received.

Brittany Force, NHRA Top Fuel Driver
Leah Pritchett, NHRA Top Fuel Driver
Megan Fessel-Schumacher, NHRA Blogger/Social Media, DSR
Ashley Sanford, NHRA A Fuel Driver
Mia Tedesco, NHRA A Fuel Driver
Lizzy Musi, PDRA Pro Modified Driver
Tera Wendland-Graves, Nostalgia Driver
Audrey Worm, Nostalgia NFC Driver, Business professional

Congratulations to all of these hard-working, talented young ladies!

Melanie Salemi’s rookie Pro Mod season

December 7, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

PDRA Pro Boost racer Melanie Salemi will celebrate the end of her rookie Pro Mod season at the PRI Show this week in Indianapolis, IN. Melanie and her beautiful G-Force Racing 1968 Pro Boost Firebird will be on display in the Ross Pistons Booth #1801 December 10-12, 2o15 at the racing industry’s largest tradeshow.

Melanie Salemi’s Rookie Pro Mod Season

Melanie took on the tough competition all season long in the PDRA’s Pro Boost class, earning her first win in just her second start in the class at the Dragstock XII event in Rockingham, North Carolina. Salemi qualified #3 at the event, before running consistent 3.86 second elapsed times through the eliminations rounds, taking out Anthony Disomma in the final to become the first woman to earn a professional victory in the PDRA’s Pro Boost class.

It’s been an awesome experience to say the least. I know it’s cliché but my team is so great. I don’t really feel that there is another team as versatile as ours. Every aspect of this car is built and maintained under our own roof. Engine, chassis, tuning, maintenance and management, It really is a one stop shop. Without the effort from my entire team this just wouldn’t be possible. I feel it’s huge advantage and has all of us very excited for 2016 and beyond”, stated Salemi.

Salemi plans for 2016 season

The Melanie Salemi Racing team isn’t sitting idle during the off-season. They plan to switch their combination to an electronic fuel injection system with the support of Fueltech USA to maximize engine efficiency and allow them better tuning control and management on the track. They plan to begin on-track testing in January with the new combination after they conclude extensive dyno testing on their in-house engine dyno.

Shirley Muldowney resigns from B.R.A.K.E.S.

December 2, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney recently announced her resignation from the Board of Directors at B.R.A.K.E.S., a North Carolina-based charity that promotes safe driving among teenagers. The four-time world champion moved to the Charlotte area from her longtime home in Michigan to assist with the foundation, formed by fellow Top Fuel drag racer. Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons.

“An opportunity has come up with another entity that will be a really wonderful deal for me personally, so I have resigned from B.R.A.K.E.S. effective immediately,” Muldowney said.

Shirley, who also was linked to a proposed Streamliner Land Speed record attempt project with Doug Herbert, said that her new schedule and 2016 plans will not allow her the time to participate in the program going forward. Though she didn’t elaborate on her 2016 plans, she did announce that she will be present at more NHRA races throughout the season, and will even launch a new Shirley Muldowney apparel line with PiranaZ through her new public relations team at Geiger Media.

I appreciate and cherish the time I had with board members Wanda Miller, Dave Dobson, and Mickey Aberman and I believe in the mission of B.R.A.K.E.S. I’m thrilled about the future, which has many possibilities that I will be at more NHRA races throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my wonderful fans, and the chance to see more of them has me very excited. Stay tuned for more good news coming very soon.”

Black Friday Weekend Sale

November 25, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

To get you in the holiday mood, Horsepower & Heels is offering a special Black Friday shopping special!

Horsepower & Heels 15% off Black Friday Special

Now through November 30, use the Promo code BlackFriday for 15% off anything in the Horsepower & Heels online store!

Choose from several designs of men’s t-shirts, women’s tanks and tees, decals, accessories, limited-stock vintage Horsepower & Heels merch and more from the Horsepower & Heels E-Store.

Promo Code: BLACKFRIDAY

Shop Horsepower and Heels for your holiday gifts! Every purchase helps us achieve our mission of supporting, promoting and celebrating women in motorsports, female racers, and ladies in the automotive industry.

Hurry, while supplies last!

This Black Friday promo expires at midnight, November 30th.

Shop Women in Motorsports

November 25, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to show your support for your favorite women in racing AND score cool finds for yourself or your loved ones than by shopping at your women of motorsports online stores!

Shop Women of Motorsports Online

We’ve put together a quick list of online shops and stores owned by women in the motorsport world. They’ve even added some extra promo codes for additional Black Friday savings!

Tracey’s Racing Jewelry -Find racing jewelry and apparel of all kinds! Earrings, hats, necklaces, key chains, belt buckles, bracelets in a variety of genres- checkered flag, Drag Racing, Funny Car, Sprint Car, Modified Dirt Cars, Late Models, Motocross, and more!
Use PROMO code: BF2015 for special savings!
McKenna Haase Racing -Check out the cool team items for sale by Des Moines, Iowa 305 Sprint Car racer, McKenna Haase. Her online store has hats, t-shirts, and even air fresheners with the team design in a variety of styles and sizes from infant to adult, men and ladies.
Sara Price MX –

Professional Motorcross and Supercross racer and X-Games Medalist, Sara Price has some rad threads for sale on her online store. Get ahead with you very own MX Girls Calendar and be ready for 2016!Receive free shipping on all Black Friday orders!
Girls Torque -Our friends over at Girls Torque have some great t-shirts, calendars, decals and more of their Girls Torque, Racing Mrtyle, and Mum’s Garage brands. Girls Torque hails from Australia, check out their international support of women in motorsport. There are sure to be some great finds for Black Friday, visit their online store to get all the details!
Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing -NASCAR driver Jennifer Jo Cobb has team t-shirts, apparel and accessories up for grabs bearing her popular JJCR #10 designs.
Shoppers get a Free Autographed Hero Card with every purchase!
Carchix -The ladies at CarChix have some of your favorite gifts for your gearhead friends! From CarChix branded apparel, to helmet, piston, turbo and nitrous key chains, and decals for your ride!
Use promo code CCTHANKS2015 for 10% off all items in the Car Chix Store — including t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, jewelry, keychains, decals and more! Promo ends 11/30 at 11:59 PM CST.
Molly Helmuth Racing -Support Super Late Model racer, Molly Helmuth by getting your own Molly Helmuth Racing T-Shirt! They also have lanyards, decals, hats and more to choose from!
As a special Black Friday promotion, if you buy one T-shirt, you get a free lanyard, hero card and 2 stickers!
Aerospace Components –Kim Kussy stopped by to offer some special discounts on Aerospace Components gear! Need fuel/cooling/transmission/braking components for your ride? Aerospace has you covered!
Promo Codes: “25” = 25% off | FS = free shipping on your order!
Leah Pritchett -NHRA Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett, is working hard over this holiday season to find a full-time ride for 2016. Help support this talented racer and businesswoman by choosing from hats, t-shirts, tanks and wristbands.
Promo Codes: WRISTBANDS = free wristband with order | TAKE10 = $10 off order | Offer expires 11/29/15 at 11:59pm PST. Excludes Shipping. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Pippa Mann -Indycar driver Pippa Mann has some great team apparel and designs in support of her Susan Komen program. Choose from Pippa hats tanks shirts lanyards and more.
Use BLACKFRIDAY25 to get an extra 25% off anything in the Classic Pippa Black/Red/Yellow line already on sale. Offer is valid Black Friday through midnight, Cyber Monday.
Heather Capano / Split Racing -Heather Capano stopped by to share her Split Racing apparel. Heather is an integral part of the Split Racing crew, and featured on the wild apparel designs offered in the store.