Blog – Page 6 of 73 – Horsepower & Heels

Michele Abbate races in Australia

March 7, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

After two seasons of global communication, Michele Abbate races in Australia for the 2017 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) champion will join fellow Toyota 86 racers and four-time Australian production car champions, Pedders Racing, to take on the mountain challenge.

With three attempts on the Mount Panorama Circuit completed, Pedders Racing is ready to make an impact at the growing the Bathurst 6 Hour. The event’s 72 place grid is on the verge of being full for the first time in over 75 years of racing at the iconic circuit. The renowned endurance race has committed to bringing the true roots of Australian motor sport production racing, back to the fore of prominence.

For Abbate, it’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race at one of the world’s greatest circuits. A dream so big, the young racer has cancelled her honeymoon to make the journey to Australia for the race.

Beginning in go-karts and autocross, Abbate made her racing debut with the Sports Car Club of America at the age of sixteen, notably achieving a podium finish behind two national champions in her debut outing. Expanding into road course racing and time attack, Abbate’s impressive performances and university education sealed the deal to become a factory driver for Scion Racing.

In her rookie year, Abbate became class Champion of the MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championships in the National Auto Sport Association’s Southern California region, backing it up with a top four place in the overall standings in just her second season of the series.

Realizing opportunity as the renowned Scion FR-S (also known as the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ) hit the highs across the global automotive market, Abbate took the reins of team ownership with the new chassis and support from Scion Racing. Her debut at the world famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in her first professional race with the United States Touring Car Championship series, Abbate took home another Rookie of the Year honor, while earning Scion its first manufacturer points in the history of the series.

Following two wins, ten podiums and a fourth of July 2015 championship victory in the SCCA USA Majors Tour Western Conference, Abbate of GRR Racing, went on to earn the Lindley Bothwell Driver of the Year Award, becoming the first female in the award’s 66-year history to take the honor. Abbate has since driven in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, as well as introduced a new Chevrolet SS 363 V8 GT-1 to the SCCA Majors Tour, while adding drift and motorcycles to her racing resume. The events Michele Abbate races in Australia will now mark her international debut at none other than Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

Having gained sponsorship commitment, qualifying for the USA SCCA National Run-Offs led to a growing passion to take motor sport to the next level, so when the door was opened for a Bathurst co-drive with Australia’s Pedders Racing in a Toyota 86 chassis familiar to the Las Vegas native, it was a match made in motor sport heaven, and the American racer can’t wait to land ‘down under’.

“I couldn’t be more excited and thankful to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” Abbate said. “It has always been my dream to visit Australia and watch some of the best racing in the world, and, thanks to seasons of sharing information, a mutual commitment to the FRS (Toyota 86) chassis, and now with this open door from Pedders Racing, I don’t have to watch, I can actually get out there and race Bathurst! We’ve been toying with the idea of joining forces for a while now, but our racing seasons and business commitments hadn’t fallen in line, so when the date was mentioned, my Crew Chief (fiancé) and I changed our plans because, let’s be honest, is there any where or any way better to do a honeymoon?!”

The Pedders Racing team has been competing at the national level for seven seasons, with victories, records and world-firsts achieved since debuting their Toyota 86 at the Mount Panorama (Bathurst) circuit in 2013. The volunteer managed team, supported by Pedders Suspension, who recently returned to the US automotive marketplace, introduced the world’s first 86 in a national production racing series with a fully FIA homologated chassis to allow for every opportunity.

Michele Abbate races in Australia — Photo Credit: JOEL STRICKLAND

Securing four further world-firsts in their debut season, Pedders Racing’s #86 entry became a record holder with the first ever national circuit racing pole position, race win, round/event win, and topped off an outstanding 2013 season with the first ever national circuit racing Class Championship for the famed 86 chassis.

In a unique education-first partnership, and with Australia’s most promising motor sport professionals, the students of Motorsports Training Australia, at the helm of preparations, strategy and crew operation, Abbate’s signing to the seasoned production racing Pedders outfit could just prove to be the ticket to tame the mountain.

With high hopes shared across the Pacific, the #86 champion Toyota has undergone a complete mechanical and electrical review during the Australian Production Cars Series off season to give the greatest of opportunities when Easter rolls around.

Having first raced Bathurst alongside Australian movie and TV star Shane Jacobson (Kenny, 2006 film release), Pedders Racing driver and Team Principal, Grant Phillips, echoed the excitement of his latest star co-driver.

“We’ve had lots of exciting things happen to the team since we joined the national scene seven years ago, but to be able to secure the opportunity for an international driver to be with us at Bathurst is pretty up there,” says Jacobson. “Michele (Abbate) has developed a strong pedigree of racing across every opportunity that she creates, and we’re very keen to get her to Australia and get her settled into the seat of our 86. There’s no doubt that Michele’s knowledge of track racing, her understanding of the 86 chassis, and her entertaining approach will gel really well with our team, and it won’t just be a ‘bucket list’ experience for her as a driver, but also an outstanding experience for our MTA (Motorsports Training Australia) crew who take every moment as a unique opportunity to learn.”

The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour will venture to the famed tarmac of Mount Panorama April 14 – 16, with free live coverage of the endurance race feature to be available online to a global audience via the event’s website at bathurst6hour.com.au.

Harli White kicks off 2017 in Florida

February 22, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Harli White kicks of 2017 in Florida this weekend when she makes her debut appearance at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa for the 16^th annual Ronald Laney Memorial King of the 360s.

“I’ve watched a few videos of that track,” she said. “By the looks of it, it will be close to some tracks we raced on in Australia recently. My goal is to just get laps and try to make the show each night. It’s going to be a tough field of cars and a challenging track.”

With a large 60-race schedule set for 2017, White previously announced that she will tackle the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour for the first time in her career. While that will encompass the bulk of her events, White has more than a dozen additional races on the initial schedule of more than 60 shows across the country. Harli spent most of the offseason competing in Australia for the first time in her career, and she is hopeful that experience will lead to success at new venues this season, including the one this Thursday through Saturday.

White, who had never driven a 410 winged sprint car prior to the trip, competed in 13 races at three different tracks throughout December and January. She said the highlight was being a part of Team USA when it won the Origin of Speed event, which showcased eight states and territories, at Valvoline Raceway in Sydney, New South Wales, on Jan. 12.

“As a driver I have to be able to adapt to any track condition,” she said. “Dry slick is what we were hoping for in Australia. A slick track in the states will be nice.”

Regardless of the tricky track and stout competition, White said she is entering this season with a lot of confidence.

“We’re on top of our game going into the first race,” she said. “Everything is in line. It looks good and sounds good. We spent the hours preparing this year. I learned a lot racing in Australia during the offseason, hopefully running the different tracks will help me quickly figure out these new tracks I’ll be going to.”

Car Chix at Race & Performance Expo

February 20, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Not able to attend the upcoming 10th Annual Race and Performance Expo? Our friends over at Car Chix will be at Race & Performance Expo live streaming the event on the Car Chix Facebook page.

The live feed will feature a special segment entitled “The Women of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks: “Paying Tribute to the Legends” and a hand lettering demonstration by Kustom Kulture Artist, “Brando”.

“This will be must see event,” says Jeanette DesJardins, President and Founder of Car Chix. “It will be like taking a walk down memory lane of the good ‘ol days of drag racing with modern day technology, perspectives and views.”

The women of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks segment will be discussing their personal experiences in racing with Car Chix – how they first became involved with drag racing, their roles on the race team and what they see for the future of women in racing.

World Renowned artist, “Brando” from Kustom Kulture will be free-hand lettering Mike Ruth’s Bob Glidden Nostalgia Pro Stock tribute car.

The live stream event will be filmed by Amy Dayton of ARS Promotions for an upcoming segment of their hit TV show, ARS-TV. In addition, a major sponsorship announcement is expected to be made with a leading performance manufacturer.

Car Chix at Race & Performance Expo Live Stream

Date: Sunday, February 26th, 2017 2:00PM CST
Event: 10th Annual Race & Performance Expo
Location: Heidts Hot Rods Booth (#1221-1235)
Renaissance Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Dr N.
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Live Feed: Car Chix Facebook Page

Car Chix Booth | Calendar Signing

If you are in the area, Car Chix will have an action packed Saturday including a 2017 Car Chix Calendar Autograph Signing from 1-3pm at the Car Chix Booth (#1812) where attendees can meet with the Women of Motorsports Car Chix Calendar features.

Motorsport Marketing Seminar | Car Chix

Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix will be demonstrating how you can maximize your marketing efforts at the debut of the ‘Motorsports Marketing – Promoting You and Your Race Team’ Seminar from 3:15 – 3:55pm in the Prosperity Room.

Larsen Motorsports partners with Space Coast Tourism

February 15, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Palm Bay, Florida based Jet Dragster Super Team, Larsen Motorsports announced they have aligned with the Space Coast Tourism Office in order to help promote tourism and careers on Florida’s Space Coast in 2017.

Florida’s Space Coast is a family-friendly destination located 45-minutes east of Orlando. Encompassing Cocoa Beach, Melbourne & the Beaches, Port Canaveral, Titusville, and Palm Bay, it is home to the world’s second busiest cruise port and 72 miles of beaches, the longest stretch in the state; as well as 190,000 acres of wetlands and waterways full of habitat found nowhere else. Plus, Florida’s Space Coast is where rockets still soar into orbit from Kennedy Space Center.

Larsen Motorsports fields a 3-car exhibition jet dragster team at over two dozen premium venues across the country – from drag racing track locations, tradeshow venues, corporate appearances and more.

As our teams travel across the country, we have the opportunity to help promote Florida’s Space Coast to a multitude of people” said Chris Larsen, co-owner of Larsen Motorsports, “Our vehicles and staff directly represent a large number of the initiatives Brevard County wishes to promote. With our teams’ home right here on Florida’s Space Coast, Larsen Motorsports is perfectly positioned to help deliver the Space Coast Office of Tourism message to a very large audience across North America.”

Elaine Larsen, co-owner of Larsen Motorsports and driver of the Florida Institute of Technology Jet Dragster, has made incredible contributions to not only the drag racing community – helping to train many young dragster pilots such as Kat Moller, Shea Holbrook, Kat Redner, Allison West, Marisha Falk, and many other ladies in the sport; but also on the crew and engineering side with their Jet Developmental Center focused on hands-on training in jet car engineering, fabrication and more. Elaine holds several World Championships in the Jet class, aided by her crew chief Paige Sanchez. Larsen Motorsports has been known previously as the “Fastest Girls in Town” for the team’s strong history of helping advance women in motorsports. Their emphasis on training and development, research and hands-on engineering/fabrication advancements reflects their highly successful partnership with the Florida Institute of Technology and their dedication to giving back to the sport and their local community.

“I am so excited about this newest partnership!” said Elaine Larsen. “When I am not racing, it is good to come home to Florida’s Space Coast, where there is always something to do. This paradise may be home for me, but a destination for others to enjoy as well.”

For more information, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism at (877) 572-3224 or VisitSpaceCoast.com.

Megan Meyer and Clevite Announce Partnership

February 15, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Drag Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driver Megan Meyer and Clevite have just announced a new associate sponsor partnership for the 2017 TAD season. MAHLE Motorsports owned, Clevite® Engine Products has been a contingency sponsor of Randy Meyer Racing for over a decade, onboard the team’s many championship-winning vehicles, but has stepped up to support Meyer in her sophomore season of LODRS Top Alcohol Dragster competition.

Meyer has been working hard during the off season to build existing partnerships and promote new ones. Clevite stepping up to an Associate Partnership with the Randy Meyer Racing team allows them to showcase their exceptional promotional and media capabilities provided to their partners on a much larger scale.

Megan Meyer’s A/Fuel Dragster and the other Randy Meyer Racing vehicles have trusted Clevite rings and bearings in their engine program, depending on the quality and precision of Clevite Engine Products in their high horsepower dragsters.

They are increasing their media and promo efforts and believe we are the best fit to help them out. We have used their bearings and rings for years and are very happy with the performance of their products.” — Megan Meyer

MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry. With its products for combustion engines and their peripherals as well as solutions for electric vehicles, the group addresses all the crucial issues related to the powertrain and air conditioning technology—from engine systems and components to filtration to thermal management. In 2015, the group generated sales of approximately EUR 11.5 billion with around 76,000 employees and is represented in 34 countries with over 170 production locations.

“MAHLE has a long tradition in motorsports including Clevite, the most recognized brand engine in the world,” says Bill McKnight, Marketing Team Lead for MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. “We have the opportunity to support racers from time to time and choose to support both those with long careers as well as what we feel are the best and brightest young people in motorsports. Megan Meyer is a great example of the latter. She’s smart, articulate, engaged and professional. With a large fan base, great driving skills and a solid work ethic, how could we ask for more!”

The 2017 season begins at the NHRA Gatornationals event in March for Megan Meyer and will be her first race of the year with new associate affiliation with Clevite.

Pippa Mann partners with OrthoIndy

February 7, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Indycar driver Pippa Mann partners with OrthoIndy

Pippa Mann is excited to announce a new partnership with Indianapolis orthopedic care provider OrthoIndy.

“As a former patient of OrthoIndy, I was thrilled with the idea of partnering with them,” said Pippa. “OrthoIndy is the place the pro-athletes trust. Whatever sport we play, when we have broken bones, or orthopedic issues, getting them resolved not only so we can live our lives comfortably, but so we can perform again at the highest levels of our abilities after surgery or treatment is exceptionally important to us. The OrthoIndy staff are not only the best in the business in terms of clinical care, but after treating and work with so many pro-athletes, they understand the psychology of not only wanting to get better, but wanting to be able to return to competition as quickly as possible too.”

Founded over 50 years ago, OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopedic practices in the Midwest. With over 70 physicians providing care to central Indiana residents from more than 10 convenient locations, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. OrthoIndy physicians also provide care to the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians and Dance Kaleidoscope, as well as local colleges and high schools.

Owned and operated by OrthoIndy physicians, OrthoIndy Hospital is central Indiana’s first specialty hospital with a direct focus on bone, joint, spine and muscle care and the most technologically advanced facility available for orthopedics in the Midwest. As a physician-owned hospital model, OrthoIndy Hospital’s top priorities are patient safety, satisfaction and outcomes.

Quality patient care serves as the foundation for the physician-owned and operated hospital, which is evident in the ratings received from Press Ganey Associates, Inc. From 2013 to 2016 OrthoIndy Hospital was named a Guardian of Excellence Award winner for consistently achieving the 95th percentile of performance in patient satisfaction. From 2009 to 2012, OrthoIndy Hospital was named the Summit Award Winner for sustaining the highest level of customer satisfaction for three or more consecutive years.

OrthoIndy has provided orthopedic care for the racing community for years. Statistics show that women are the primary healthcare decision makers in a household; therefore, it was important to OrthoIndy to align with a female athlete in the Indianapolis community. Pippa Mann is a strong female athlete in a male-dominated profession, who has proved you can do anything you set your mind to.

“The physicians, nurses and employees of OrthoIndy are excited to partner with Pippa,” said Jane Keller, CEO of OrthoIndy. “Pippa is passionate about giving back to the Indianapolis community we serve. We are proud to partner with her.”

To stay up to date with OrthoIndy, and to find out first about any public appearances Pippa has as part of her partnership, connect with OrthoIndy on Facebook, or @OrthoIndy on Twitter and Instagram and Pippa Mann on Facebook, or @PippaMann on Twitter or Instagram.

For more information on OrthoIndy, please call (317) 802-2000 or visit us at OrthoIndy.com.

Teryx Girls Back for King of the Hammer

February 6, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

The all-female OffRoad team “Teryx Girls” – Driver Sara Price & Co-Driver Erica Sacks – have spent the past 12 months anxious to return to Hammertown and better their result at the King of the Hammers. The toughest one day off-road race on the planet, The Teryx Girls are the only all-female team contesting the 2017 King of the Hammers event.

Last year, the duo impressed thousands of spectators in Johnson Valley, California as they sped through open desert and found unique lines through some of the technical rock crawling sections of the 2016 King of the Hammers course. Starting the 2016 event in the 20^th position, the Teryx Girls came out of the desert section in 12^th place going into the rocks, and made quick work of picking off enough cars to run in a 5^th place spot before breaking out of the race.

“From the moment we realized we weren’t going to finish last year, we’ve been thinking about how this year we were going to get the job done,” said Price. “We could hear everyone cheering for the Teryx Girls last year and I expect we will see even more fans out in Johnson Valley this week. This race is as tough as they come and I know Teryx is up for the challenge.”

Sara qualified the only 800cc to compete in the UTV Class Saturday the 4^th for a impressive 20^th start position against 46competitors that day and 70 Total entrants in class thus far. The Teryx Girls Kawasaki Teryx was build specifically for the King Of the Hammers by IMG Motorsports, but a large percentage of stock parts were retained on the race side-by-side due to the proven strength and performance of the Kawasaki Teryx.

Fans can watch the Teryx Girls race live on Wednesday, February 7 at www.ultra4racing.com/live or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeryxGirls > Hashtag #TeryxGirls on social media sites.

Courtney Force Nitro Spring Training

February 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

COURTNEY FORCE SPRING TRANING — Photo: Auto Imagery

Advance Auto Parts Funny Car driver Courtney Force blistered Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park during the second day of NHRA Drag Racing Nitro Spring training Friday, posting the three-quickest passes of the week – including an incredible run under the current established NHRA Drag Racing Funny Car national record E.T.

Force’s best run in her new Advanced Auto Parts livery-adorned Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car was 3.804 seconds at 333.33 mph, quicker than the current national-record run of 3.822 seconds set last year in Brainerd, Minnesota by Matt Hagan. The pass was not an official record, because Force’s pass came during testing, not a national event and does not comply with required criteria for national records.

“It was a pretty unbelievable run,” Force said. “It’s all thanks to these guys; I’m just the one piloting the car down to the other end. But it was really exciting hearing them come on the radio and be so excited about it. It’s great being out here at Phoenix testing. We’re going to try some new things tomorrow and just see what the car does. So far, we’re definitely happy with it.”

In addition to the 3.804 run, Force made passes of 3.847 seconds at 329.26 mph and 3.847 seconds at 331.28 mph – the three quickest runs of the day in Nitro Spring Training.

“I feel good every run,” Force said. “It’s crazy. You take two months off during the offseason and then you hop back in a car – just smashing on the throttle – it takes some getting used to and time to get back into your routine. When you get a couple months off, it changes things. It’s been a lot of fun getting back in the car and back into the groove of things. I feel like I’ve had to really quickly, as my guys are ready for the season. They’ve really shown that with how the Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro has run so far. I feel like I had my hands full on multiple runs, but it’s really great being able to make so many great passes just in testing – the 3.84s and then the 3.80 unofficially. It’s a great feeling. I’m proud of my guys; it’s all because of them.”

Testing continues Saturday, with the final day slated for Sunday.

Good News with Angela Savage

January 23, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Our latest featured site is the bi-weekly motorsports show, Good News with Angela Savage.

Bright and bubbly host of the Good News show, Angela Savage talks racing news, interviews popular motorsports figures and other cool features from the fast lane on this bi-weekly, 1-hour radio show that airs Thursdays 10:00 AM PT – 11:00 AM PT.

The daughter of late Indianapolis 500 racer, Swede Savage, Angela was not yet born when her father, who led the 1973 Indianapolis 500 in only his second start, suffered a horrible crash in turn four of Indianapolis Speedway during the race, only to succumb to his injuries 33 days later. Angela’s mother, Sheryl, was six months pregnant with Angela during the Indianapolis 500, witnessing Swede’s horrible crash directly in front of her. Three months later, in October of 1973, Sheryl welcomed Angela into the world.

Never having the opportunity to meet or know her famous father, Angela’s mother spoke very little of her racing lineage. In fact, Angela’s first introduction to the racing world or the hallowed Indianapolis 500 came in 2014, thanks to a chance friendship and a successful crowdfunding campaign. Angela was able to stand on the location of his crash, making peace with inner pain that stemmed from knowing very little of her natural father’s life and death thanks to Paul Powell, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and other devoted fans. The experience changed her life and she has spent the last couple of years catching up with her long-lost racing family, learning about her father’s passion and meeting many of the people who walked along side him in the sport. Good News with Angela Savage is a tribute to that reintroduction to the sport, carrying on her father’s legacy through hosting this wonderful show for all motorsports enthusiasts worldwide.

Tune in: Good News with Angela Savage

Listen live at WWDB TV or catch archives from Season 1 on the Good News with Angela Savage YouTube Channel.

Motorsports Marketing Seminar – Promoting You and Your Race Team

January 17, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Needing some pointers on how to help accelerate your brand and race team promotional efforts for the upcoming season?

Car Chix Founder & President, Jeanette DesJardins will be presenting the Motorsports Marketing Seminar – Promoting You and Your Race Team during the 10th annual Race and Performance Expo on Saturday, February 25th, 2017. The Digital Marketing Expert will lead an information-rich seminar on maximizing marketing efforts for your race team, avoiding common mistakes in the digital landscape and actionable tips and techniques to use in your 2017 motorsport marketing plan.

The Motorsport Marketing seminar will include pertinent information on the use of Social Media, the importance of professional press releases, best practices for crafting successful sponsorship proposals, and the necessary off-track work involved for generating team success on and off the track surface.

Moderator Jeanette DesJardins is the founder and president of popular women in motorsports trademark and website CarChix.com; as well as the founder and president of Crank It Media, an internet marketing company specializing in the motorsports, automotive, industrial and entertainment industries. DesJardins recently was a featured panelist during the ‘Women in Motorsports’ Seminar at the industry-staple 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis, IN. She has earned accolades for Outstanding Leadership in Women’s Motorsports by Memphis International Raceway, and the President’s Award from Cordova International Raceway for her contributions to the sport and advancing women in automotive.

Motorsports Marketing Seminar – Promoting You and Your Race Team

Date: Saturday, February 25th
Time: 3:15pm – 3:55pm
Location: Prosperity Room, Renaissance Convention Center

The Race and Performance Expo takes place at the Schaumburg Renaissance Center February 25th -26th in Schaumburg, Illinois and is open to the public. The Motorsport Marketing Seminar will be held Saturday afternoon, from 3:15pm-3:55pm in the Prosperity Room. All expo seminars are free of charge to expo attendees.

Mark your calendars for this informative event. – Click to RSVP to the Motorsports Marketing Seminar