Celebrating, promoting and supporting female racers and women in motorsports

On a mission

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Remember this thing? >>>

Yea. THAT THING. My racecar. Almost forgot I drove one, huh?

Me too.

Well, its been ENTIRELY too long, and I’ve had enough. I’m on an unstoppable mission now to get this thing DONE and out there again. And I’m not letting even the crappy economy hold me back this time. Nope, I’ve got a PLAN.

The car will be done for the PRI Show this year. DONE. Complete. Ready-to-go. It might in fact, be IN the PRI show for Brisk too. (Waiting to see if they have the booth space to make it happen.) Its been soooo close for entirely too long. I just needed a little extra to make it happen, and life kept popping up in my way.

Well, I’ve been really busy lately. For once, I have a good excuse why I haven’t been posting as much. I’ve been working. Yes, 10 years later, I decide to make a 2nd comeback tour at my high school employer, Target, right back behind the Guest Services counter. I’ve been picking up every available shift after work and on the weekends. My social life? Gone. But the extra cash will be used to get BACK TO THE RACETRACK.

In the last few weeks, I’ve worked my normal 40hrs at my day job, and then another 35hours at Target. I’m tired, and I haven’t done a single thing but work in weeks, but those extra paychecks are starting to add up.

Racing a cop

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Sherry Heyl, writer of one of the blogs I read daily (So…What’s Next) wrote a post just for me that made me laugh. Its about her racing adventure one night, where she quickly found out that she had faced off against Miami’s finest in Blue.

It reminded me of all the hilarious stories I’ve heard from fellow racers (and a few of my own…) about their speedy run-ins with the police.

Here’s one of mine….

Back when gas was cheap in 2003, I made a weekend road trip from Orlando, FL to Cincinnati, OH in my turbocharged 93 coupe. That thing made about 600 horsepower to the rear wheels, and it was built with the purpose of outrunning Z06’s on the highway (not that its safe OR legal…. I was young and dumb!), which meant it would do well over the normal governed mph of 120, and it would do it QUICKLY.

I was making REALLY good time through Georgia and into Tennessee (*AHEM* which means I hadn’t been caught speeding yet) when I started to pull into the outskirts of Knoxville. The landscape was a little hilly, but the traffic was moving right along. I, of course, felt compelled to lead the pack, which had me doing about 90-95mph as I peaked over a hill, and right into the Radar of Mr. Nice Tennessee Highway Patrol man waiting at the bottom of the hill.

Before I could even get passed him, I see his lights flash, and a big cloud of dirt as he spins the car around in the median. I had the split-second Oh-Shit-WhatDoIDo hesistation, but being that I knew I was already in deep doo-doo, and traffic behind me was pretty heavy, I did a dumb thing…. I GOT BACK IN THE THROTTLE.

Now I am no Bo and Luke Duke, who always seem perfectly poised to outrun the local cops. I had no idea about the landscape, and I really didn’t want to end up ripped out of my car and splat on the aphault on the next episode of Why I Ran or Cops (cue cheesey music). But I also knew that he only had a Crown Vic, and my car outpowered him by about 400 horsepower and a few psi of boost pressure.

The hills in that area were rolling, so after a few up-and-downs, I lost sight of him behind me as the next exit presented itself. I quickly got off, and pulled past the gas station (they ALWAYS look there) into the next lot, a hotel. I immediately pulled around back and threw the thing in park, frantically thinking of what I would say when he rolled up behind me, guns drawn and ready to shoot.

I paced my way up to the front of the hotel, just in time to see him circling the gas station and heading further down the road still looking for his ellusive runner.

Shaking like a craps game, I ran back to my car and promptly returned to the highway, going about 5mph UNDER the speedlimit for the rest of my trip.

Talk about dumb!!!!

What dumb things did you do in your youth that got the attention of the blue flashing lights?

RIP Steve Engel

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This one hits close to home.

NHRA Pro Mod driver Steve Engel, who had a scary encounter with the wall during the US Nationals in Indy, has succumbed from his injuries.

Sept 15th, Indianapolis, IN — After showing significant signs of improvement in the past week, Pro Modified racer Steve Engel died suddenly at 5 p.m. Sunday at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Engel was involved is a serious one-car racing accident during the recent 54th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Engel’s Diamond Heavy Haul Corvette swerved wildly near the top end of the track and he impacted the retaining wall head-on. He was airlifted to Methodist Hospital where doctors discovered six broken vertebrae in his back. Two were fixed immediately, but then excess fluid developed in his lung doctors had to wait to fix the other four. That procedure was done Friday and physicians were diagnosing a long but full recovery.

The 49-year-old Engel is survived by his wife Tonya and his sons Stevie and Michael.
“The entire Pro Mod community is in a state of shock right now,” fellow racer and JEGS ProMod Challenge organizer Troy Coughlin said. “We were all so optimistic after Friday’s report and then we get this terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tonya and the boys.”

“Steve was a great racer — he won his first event with us earlier this year in Bristol — but he was an even better person. He was a big man with a big heart, always anxious to share a few laughs and toast with a cold beer. He loved to race, and he dearly loved his friends at the track. He will be missed.”

A resident of Shandon, Ohio, Engel competed in 31 JEGS ProMod Challenge events over the past few years. He had one win and two runner-up finishes on his resume. Overall, Engel had been drag racing for 21 years, and he listed John Force as the racer he admired most.

Services for Engel will be held at:
St. Aloysius Church of Shandon
3350 Chapel Road
Shandon, OH 45063
513-738-1014‎
Viewing: Thursday, 1-9
Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday

I didn’t know Steve well personally, having only met him a few times at the racetrack, but having a loss like this within the Pro Mod community just rocks you to the core.

Rest in peace Steve, you will be greatly missed.

Blog Day 2008

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Devilish Southern Belle, a kickass local blogger here in Huntsville, sent me word that she had named me one of her 5 “Kickass Blogger” awardee’s, which I am really honored to receive. With a great motto of “Housework. Teenagers. Rock N Roll”, she’s a great read to follow along with. Always a pleasure to know, you really should check her out! Thanks so much, DSB!

Coinciding with Blog Day 2008, I decided to pick out 5 of my favorite blogs to read and share them with you. Some are racing related, others have very different subjects, but all are very interesting and entertaining. Check them out, and if you like what you read, be sure to leave a comment and join the conversation. The great part about blogging is being able to share with so many people and start great conversation. Then, be sure to participate with your own Top 5, following the Blog Day format (details at http://www.blogday.org/). Better late than never!

So without further ado…. my top 5 (in no particular order)!
  1. Burning Blog
    Maybe its from my wanderlust, or my absolute fascination with this week-long pilgrimage into the desert, but the Burning Blog is a photo documentary of the Burning Man event that takes place every year in Nevada. The photos are just captivating, and it is so amazing to see the build-up, the gathering, and then the burning of a complete city in the middle of nowhere from sand to structure to ash.
  2. The (un)Real John Force Blog: Satire for those that Celebrate a Champion
    Those of you who love crazy Nitro Funny Car driver John Force will love this underground (un)Real John Force narrative. The author is unknown, but by the content and pictures, its clear that the mystery writer has some inside knowledge of the John Force racing team.
  3. ADRL Agent 660 Notes: ADRL Scoops and Rumors
    The American Drag Racing League has struck gold with the addition of this column by veteran motorsports reporter and new communications manager Ian Tocher. Agent 660 Notes really gives fans and racers the inside scoop behind race happenings and into the activities of their favorite drivers. Not your standard race report or press release mill, the Notes section is reported on with a secret agent operative theme, giving you the inside track to everything ADRL, opinion and rumored included.
  4. Church of Choppers
    This is a collection of rad old school customs, choppers, and other neat finds. Updated several times daily from blog members in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Des Moines, and Long Beach, there are always cool finds on the site from around the country and around the world.
  5. …Because I Played Sports
    Because I am really passionate about supporting women in sports of all kinds, this blog caught my eye for its coverage of women in all types of sports that are competing and kicking ass. Really great scope on women’s athletics, especially during this summer’s olympic games.

So what are your favorites? Leave me a comment link to your post, or comment on some of my suggestions.

Follow here for other Blog Day posts!

My top 10 favorite racecars

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There are so many cars over the years that have had a strong impression on me personally. Here are my Top 10, in no particular order.

1. John Gullett’s 2000 Single Turbo Mustang Pro 5.0 Car
This car single-handedly was the reason I ever wanted to drive a Pro 5.0 car in the first place. The car seemed to have gone through about 20 paint metamorphosis’ in its life time (they change paint as often as I change spark plugs), but my favorite of all time was this purple and bronze flamed rendition (at left).
Achievements: John broke many FFW Pro 5.0 records, the latest running a 6.36 with a small block and twin turbos in 2006.
Where is it now? Though the car was put up for sale at the end of 2006, John still owns the car and has put it aside to focus on family for awhile.
2. Mike Ashley’s Gone in 6.0 Seconds “Eleanor” GT 500 Mustang Pro Mod
This is my all-time favorite Pro Mod, and quite possibly my favorite car of all time. The first time I saw Eleanor was at the inaugural Drag Stock event in Jackson, SC. That weekend, Mike pushed Eleanor to the first 3 second 1/8th mile performance, a feat that was celebrated by Gotham City handing out free t-shirts. I ran to get mine, and I still have that shirt.
Achievements: The car evolved into many different forms over the years Mike campaigned the car, and was the car he won his NHRA Pro Mod Championship in.

 

Where is it now? Tim Tindle current owns the car under a different paint scheme and still competes in NHRA Pro Mod.
3. Scotty Cannon’s ‘Mater 1963 Studebaker Pro Mod
This car is one of the coolest looking and most successful cars around. Made famous by six time Pro Mod Champion Scotty Cannon, and later driven by son Scott Cannon, the car has seen more winners circles than any other car out there.
Where is it now?Local Alabama racer R.E. Smith now owns the car and is competing in the Southern Outlaw Series, which is cool because I get to see the car alot now.4. Mike Murillo’s Texas Jam “Star Car” Super Street Outlaw Mustang

The Star Car was probably the very first car that made me want to drag race, period. The first time I saw the car in person was on the cruise to World Ford Challenge in 1999. I was so very excited because I found out Mike Murillo was staying at the very same hotel I was in Joliet. That was in my early years of racing, and I was completely star-struck by Mike.
Achievements: This car defines the hay-day of Mustang 5.0 Racing, and is a legend of its time. Mike won all kinds of Super Street Outlaw Championships with this car.
Where is it now? I’m not sure what happened to the original Star Car, but Mike races on in Outlaw 10.5 with a newer, badderer version, Star Car 2.
5. Steve Grebeck’s “Psycho Bitch” Pro 5.0 Mustang
This car was so ahead of its time, and also the most tragic of the list. Grebeck’s rich history in Mustang racing made him one of my favorite drivers. He started off driving one of the earliest cars in Mustang Racing history, Stormin’ Norman’s convertible. But this car, named Psycho Bitch for its violent tendencies, was one of the most advanced and impressive machines I’d ever seen. Unfortunately, Steve lost his life in the car at the Orlando FFW race in 2002. That day, that pass will forever be etched in my mind. I felt such incredible sadness that I never pushed pass my shyness to meet and talk to him while he was still with us.
Achievements: The car, owned and sponsored by Harry Hrushka at Precision Turbo, was one of fastest turbo doorslammers in its day, and well ahead of its time.
Where is it now? The car was involved in a fatal crash with Bill Rimmer at the 2002 Fun Ford Weekend Spring Break Shootout in Orlando, FL. RIP, Steve Grebeck.
6. Billy Glidden’s Super Street Mustang
I remember jumping the fence at the Orlando World Street Finals in 1999 just to get a photo with Billy Glidden, one of the most famous and notorious Mustang racers. Though him and I would later have some not-so-pleasant run-ins over my move to Pro 5.0, its hard to argue with the legendary feats that he’s accomplished as a racer, and his mark as Drag Racing’s very own Celebu-spawn. Billy is the son of Pro Stock icon Bob Glidden.
Achievements: This man is legendary in the winners circle in every form of street racing, all with a tried-and-true small block nitrous combination.
Where is it now? The same car, in service for almost a decade, is still earning Billy and Shannon paychecks on a regular basis.
7. Tom Moore/Dennis Lugo Super Street Outlaw Mustang
I learned so much about racing from this car. The first car I ever was in the pits with, Dennis’ driving of this true 10″ tire’d freak machine was pretty inspirational. Running back in 99-00, the car was quite the handful with wild wheelies and plenty of squirrel-y action.
Achievements: Held the last standing FFW true 10″ record before the class allowed the 10.5W tire.
Where is it now? Last known location, the car was sold to Javier Collazo in Puerto Rico.
8. “Big Daddy” Dwayne Gutridge’s Drag Radial Mustang
THE reason I chose to start my career in Drag Radial racing…. the famous launch MM&FF picture of Dwayne’s car with all 4 wheels off the ground, on BF Goodrich Drag Radials (sorry, couldn’t find it online). I spent all of 2003 chasing Big Daddy for the runner-up in FFW Drag Radial. The man was crazy on BFGs.
Achievements: Was on top of the Radial revolution, and virtually unstoppable for several years on BFG Drag Radials.
Where is it now? Not entirely sure, but I’d bet that Dwayne still has this car.
9. Mike Ashley’s Torco Nitro Funny Car
Mike makes the list twice because it was the first nitro car I ever got up close and personal with. The Gotham City team played host to me at the 2006 US Nationals, allowing me to go to the starting line with a Nitro Funny Car and sit in the pits as they serviced it between rounds. Not only did I make some great friends and learned about the “Big Boys”, it truly was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and what fueled my desire to drive a Nitro car. Mike’s stories at the hotel over dinner about his learning curve of moving to Funny Car from Pro Mod are so inspiring and entertaining.
Achievements: Mike won several Wallys in Funny Car during his two year stint, with the pinnacle being his US Nationals win in 2007.
Where is it now? Melanie Troxel took over driving duties in 2008 with new sponsor and owner Roger Burgess of R2B2 Racing.
…..and since I just couldn’t decide, #10 is a TIE.
10. Jason Wood’s 1959 Cadillac Hearse Pro Streeter
For most creative and all-around cool, my vote goes to this unique ride that I was able to check out for the first time at the 2007 Orlando World Street Nationals. The attention to detail is really impressive, and creativity is just unsurpassed.
Where is it now? The car had an up-close encounter with the wall at its first outing, but my hopes is they have it back out and better than ever.
[and]
Travis Swearingen’s Junkyard Willys Pro Mod
Besides being a super cool team, (hi Barb and Dan!) the Swearingen’s have a badass little hotrod. It may look like a junker, but that’s the beauty of it… the car is painted up to be a rusty old Willys, and again, its all in the details. The front, broken grill has bugs splattered with interesting *ahem* anatomy. Check out the details if you ever see this one in person.
Where is it now? You can check this one out on the ADRL Pro Extreme tour.

Lookout Barbie, a new pink car in town

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Ashley Force is debuting a pink rendition of her Castrol sponsored Mustang Nitro Funny car at “The Big GO” in Indy this weekend.

As much as she’s a proponent of Girl Power, I wondered why she had never incorporated a pink theme into her graphics. Well, this weekend she will be racing a Bubble Gum Pink racecar as her Rookie of the Year themed entry. The special edition is a one-race appearance, so unfortunately it will be short-lived.
What a great idea in getting back to the Shirley Muldowney-inspired symbolism! Big thumbs up for this one!
(photo courtesey: John Force Racing)

Ashley Force poetry

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Found this on Ashley Force’s Myspace. I think its great!

‘Twas the Week Before Indy…..
‘Twas the week before Indy and all through the town
I ran last minute errands in my Mustang all around
To the dry cleaners to pick up my dirty fire suit
The hair salon to touch up and condition my roots
Packing my luggage…I’d be gone for 12 days!
The piles of clothes in my closet had become quite a maze!
So hopeful I was for this upcoming race
To beat up on the boys and try to take first place
For now the big challenge was not to win rounds
But to pack up my luggage in less than 50 pounds
Off to LAX airport we hoped not to be late
We checked in, went to security, then up to our gate
Race credentials and schedules filled up my bags
But of course I had room to grab a couple gossip mags!
Now I sit on this plane thinking of my upcoming week
The packed schedule of race teams is not for the meek!
But I made sure to relax and get my rest
To be ready for our upcoming race and feel my best
Indy brings many memories, some high some low
Now it’s time again, so here we go!
First we stop by Chicago to visit family
Then Florida to film a show about Sanyo TV’s
Tuesday we head up to Indy on an evening flight
In time for dinner at Andy’s for our weekly team night
Wednesday a press conference in downtown Indianapolis
We’ll talk about the Indy race that no fan will want to miss!
Some radio, newspaper and magazine interviews
I’ll talk about racing dad, and how I hope not to lose!
And also how motivated Team Force is to win
Then it’s back to our Indy shop to film with ESPN
Wednesday winds to an end but the fun just began
We’ll head to the bowling alley with our crews and their fam
I’m not too good at bowling unless it’s on Wii
If you’re in the lane next to me you might want to flee!
Early the next morning after a quick Starbucks run
It’ll be off to Ford to meet fans and have a little fun
A few more interviews and a trip to Wal-mart
Things for my trailer and the race, fill up my cart
We’ll head to our home (the Comfort Inn Suites)
To clean up and change…and rest our feet!
Then back to the city for a Mac Tools event
After that it’s to bed…what a week! I’m spent!
As I climb in to bed I don’t have to count sheep
While brushing my teeth I’d twice fallen asleep!
What a crazy but fun busy week this has been
And tomorrow is when the race will actually begin!
I can’t wait to get to the track with my team
Meet with sponsors and fans and drive that Funny Car machine
We hope to race and get qualified so that we can play
On the day we all look forward to racing on…Race Day!
National Anthem, Prayer and then the cars start
Engines roaring to life is for sure the best part!
Many memories and great times at this historic place
And now I’m so excited to be a part of the big Indy Race!