Celebrating, promoting and supporting female racers and women in motorsports

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Erica Ortiz is a professional drag racer from the all-female pro modified team Horsepower & Heels and strong advocate of women in motorsports. A veteran both behind the wheel and behind a torque wrench, Erica brings over 10 years of experience navigating the male-dominated motor sports arena from the female perspective.

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A million hearts just BROKE

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Congrats to NHRA Funny Car driver Ashley Force and Danny Hood, who tied the knot on December 13th in Lake Tahoe amidst a beautiful snowfall.

Guests included other drag racing families such as the Bernstein, Worsham and Wilkerson families.

It was snowing on my wedding day and my photographers said they didn’t care that we were going to go out and take pictures outside in the snow. I am glad they did that now but at the time I was freezing and I would have liked to have been in my firesuit. — Ashley Force-Hood

And what did the girl who is most comfortable in a 20 layer clutch-dust ridden firesuit and a helmet think of her billowy white wedding dress and formal attire?

It was kind of fun to wear a dress. I thought I might not like it as much as I did. I loved the dress I picked but I was kind of dreading being in a dress and heels all night. I was thinking this is going to stink and I am going to be so miserable and uncomfortable but I think that since it is your one day in your life that you do that you try and enjoy it. I snuck in and wore, not race boots but, Ugg boots kind of the same style. That made it a lot easier to take off the heels after a while and slip on those boots.” –Ashley Force-Hood

*Shhhh!*

 

That sound you hear is about a million hearts breaking across the Drag Racing nation, as the 2007 AOL Hottest Athlete of the Year is officially off the market now.

 

I wonder if she will now be Mrs. Ashley Force-Hood or if Danny will just be Mr. Ashley Force? Hmmm.

Congrats to the newlyweds from all of us here at Horsepower & Heels!

 

Photos: (top left) Flower girl and niece Autumn Hight, Ashley, and Danny. (bottom right) the Bridal party all bundled up and shivering for snowy wedding portraits

 

All Photos courtesy: NHRA.com

Well behaved women rarely make history

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Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History. — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

In Memory of…
Bettie Page
April 22, 1923 — December 11, 2008

A woman who dared to be different in the Fifities era of Bobby Socks and Golly-Gee Suzie Homemaker status. She awoke the sexuality in a repressed and stuffy era, becoming the most legendary Pin-Up model of her time. She dared to escape the limitations that society placed on her as a woman. Some called her notorious, others revolutionary. Bettie Page helped to blur the lines and open the door to the world of women expressing their sensuality.

But she was definitely a woman of her own making. And that is what makes her legendary.

I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer. I wasn’t trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time. I didn’t think of myself as liberated, and I
don’t believe that I did anything important. I was just myself. I didn’t know any other way to be, or any other way to live. –Bettie Page

And for that… and all other women who haven’t been afraid to be anything else but themselves, we thank you.

Rest In Peace, Bettie Page.

Ford and the bailout

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You know, I’ve been openly accused of being extremely biased when it comes to my choice in auto brand loyalty, but I believe it to be with good reason.

The one thing during this whole shitacular economic struggle that really captured my attention is the seemingly dire situation of the Big 3- Ford, GM, and Chrysler. The entirety of our auto industry is falling to shambles? WHAT?!? As a racer, you can see where this is a mighty bit unsettling. (Well, unless you happen to be in the faded craze and downward spiraling world of sport compact racing, and then its probably cool for you).
Now, I’m not AT ALL educated enough to speak on the who and why and what of the auto industry’s ailments. I have my guesses which I’ll keep to myself this time, but one thing I really respect, is Ford’s commitment to keep the public involved and informed.

 

http://www.thefordstory.com/ — Say hello to Ford’s take on the current situation. A video answering the common questions, the plan, the progress, and even a detailed look at Ford’s economic footprint.
Now all of that is great and all– and I’m not even going to pretend like I understand the whole bailout or any of the business talk, but what I CAN speak to, is that its very evident that the engineers, the designers, and all the other Ford employees have a passion for what they do. Spending 2 days with the people behind the oval, seeing first hand the pride that each of the engineers and designers had for the product that was born there, and tested all across our great country.

 

Somewhere along the lines, people began to associate Foreign Cars as better quality, better produced. Why? Perhaps the Big 3 did go through a learning curve where they fell behind the 8 ball. But those who tout the foreign quality…. when was the last time you objectively drove an American Made car?

 

And there is one BIG thing that should be applauded here…. with GM and Chrysler in this situation, Ford really does deserve some big props for properly planning for this Recession and NOT needing the bailout.
In fact, I challenge ALL of you who currently swear by your foreign brands to take a ride in a Ford. We should reward and be PROUD of what our American company has done, and not lump them into this hand-out group. Operation Ford Motor is a movement covering the twitter and the rest of the web world right now to get the word out about what Ford has done to AVOID this whole situation and why they deserve our respect.

Thanksgiving 2008

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No doubt, its been a rough year across the board for most people in this country. Which is why Thanksgiving is such an important thing this year… to profess how truly thankful we are for what we DO have.

Every year, I’ve made it a point to write down what I am thankful for, and to revisit it later down the road. This used to be done on paper, but thanks to the blog world, I now have it online for all to see. So with that, here’s my 2008 Thanksgiving Offering:

  • Health.
    You never realize how precious it is to you until something threatens it. Going through what I have in the last year and the ongoing struggles have really made me thankful for my health. I’m here today, for better or worse, for sicker or poor. That’s better than some were able to say.
  • Learning to be Independent.
    I’ve always thought I was an independent person, but I realized that a lot of me depended on other people and what their feelings entailed. This year, through all ranges of emotions, I’ve learned to be independent. I’ve done for myself, I’ve made sacrifices, I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve learned from them. I feel I’ve carved out a piece of this world that belongs to me, not to anyone else. And with that comes the feeling that I will be okay…
  • Friends: Old and New.
    I have had my best friend for almost 20 years now, and no matter how often or little we talk, she is still as much my BFF as she was sitting in class at Sterling Park back in 5th grade. We’ve gone through thick and thin, we’ve grown up, we’ve lost touch and reconnected, but above all, she is always there and knows that I am there for her likewise. I’m always grateful for the wisdom that my friends old and new empart on me, for the support through my tougher times, and for the unconditional love of friendship they bring. Whether they are my friends in real life, or online, they are appreciated in my life.
  • Enjoying my Job.
    I’m very blessed to really enjoy the work I do, which is something that I learned to really appreciate after last year. We all must make a living, but doing something you enjoy versus something you hate can really define you. I’ve been working at this job for almost a year now, and I’ve learned a lot that will come in very useful as my career progresses.
  • Hope and Optimism.
    When things get tough, its easy to be drug down into the despair and negativity. I believe things happen for a reason, and sometimes it isn’t always evident why. But even when things are not going how I wanted, I’m thankful that there is still hope and optimism kept alive. Looking towards the future, I’m ever hopeful and sure that things will improve, and that all the struggles will have paid off.
  • Family & Loved Ones.
    I don’t get to see them as much anymore, but I am always thankful for my family and their support in my life. I wish I could be closer to them, but even with the distance, they are always in my heart. Distance has been something that has been difficult for me being seperated from the people I hold closest to my heart, but there’s never a moment that goes by that I’m not thinking of them. I read a beautiful quote today: “True Friendship continues to grow even over the longest distances…. the same is true with True Love.”
  • Dreams.
    Its been hard to keep my racing dream alive sitting on the sidelines for the past 2 years, but I’ve grateful that all the work is starting to come together finally and that I might get the chance to turn dream into reality for the 2009 season.

From all of us at Horsepower & Heels, we wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Shut up and RACE

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Every time I hear Rhianna’s Shut Up and Drive, I feel like climbing in a racecar.
Only in my version, I change the words:

Shut up and Race

If you’re looking for a driver who is qualified
So if you think I’m not the one, step up to the line
I’m a finetuned supersonic speed machine
With a heavy foot and an NHRA dream

So if you need me let me know, know, know
Come on now what you’re waiting for, for, for
My engine’s ready to explode, explode, explode
So line me up and watch me go, go, go, go

[chorus:] Shiftin straight through the gears, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that’s faster than you’ve ever seen
Can you handle the power, can you cut a good light
If ya can’t baby boy, then I’ll be outta sight
‘Cause I’m zero to two hundred in six point six-nine
You Wanna Race Me?
Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive
Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive

I got class wit a parachute in the back
Got all the boost and a whole lotta time on the track
You talk like you can handle what’s under my hood
You keep saying that you will, boy I wish you would

So if you wanna race let me know, know, know
Come on and what you’re waiting for, for, for
My engine is ready to explode, explode, explode
So line me up and watch me go, go, go, go

[chorus:] Getcha where you wanna go, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that’s faster than you’ve ever seen
Can you handle the power, can you cut a good light
If ya can’t baby boy, then I’ll be outta sight
‘Cause I’m zero to two hundred in six point six-nine
You Wanna Race Me?
Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive
Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive

Cause your chevy ain’t got what I’ve got
Get it get it, don’t stop, it’s a hole shot
Ain’t a ferrari, uh-oh boy, I’m sorry
Ain’t no need to worry, so step aside
And ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride…

So if you racing let me know, know, know
Come on now and what you’re waiting for, for, for
My engine is ready to explode, explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go, go, go, go

[chorus:] Getcha where you wanna go, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that’s faster than you’ve ever seen
Can you handle the power, can you cut a good light
If ya can’t baby boy, then I’ll be outta sight
‘Cause I’m zero to two hundred in six point six-nine
You Wanna Race Me?

Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive
Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive
Shut up and drive, drive, drive
Shut up and drive, drive, drive
Drive, drive, drive, drive, drive….

Maybe the Horsepower & Heels gals and I should redo the music video! haha

Any video gurus out there up for producing it?

Cobra Jet Revivial: Ford and Drag Racing

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While most of us were glued to our favorite news channels on November 4th, waiting for election results, the folks at Ford Racing were offering news of their own: forty years after the original Cobra Jet Mustang was released (in 1968), they were offering a new version of the classic car to NHRA sportsmen class racers during the 2009 season. Technically referred to as the Mustang FR500CJ, the 2008 Cobra Jet had its official debut as part of the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Since the original version was introduced decades ago, the Mustang has been ever-present on the racing scene, earning a spot in history as an iconic pony car. The current version will easily follow in its predecessor’s tracks, as the vehicle is factory-built and NHRA-legal. In fact, it’s the first strip-ready, purpose-designed car Ford has offered since the 1968 Cobra Jet first saw the light of day.

In a statement to the press on November 4th, Brian Wolfe, director of Ford Racing Technology, said, “The Cobra Jet is one of the transformational vehicles for Ford Racing. The 2008 CJ will get us more involved with the sportsmen racers in drag racing. At this point there are a lot of little guys who are running Fords from the 60s, 70s and even a few from the 80s, but those cars aren’t necessarily relevant to what we are producing today.”

He continued, stating, “Those Ford racers are among the most loyal Ford supporters and customers we have. The CJ makes a statement for our company that even in times as tough as these we can introduce something as special as the Cobra Jet. As a guy who has tracked Ford history from the beginning and understands the significance of the CJ, this is by far the best factory drag car that we have produced.”

And Brian Wolfe should know. He is one of the pioneers in Mustang Drag Racing, a staple of the Pro 5.0 class that I currently compete in back in its original conception days. Living a dream with his appointment as Director of Ford Racing Technologies, Brian is doing a great job of reaching out to the most loyal of all the Ford following: its racers. *tangent* (I’ve owned and raced nothing but Blue Oval for the past 10 years myself! In fact, my 6.69 @ 207mph was done with a factory Ford engine block and Super Cobra Jet heads, a world record I believe!) */tangent*

Joining Ford Racing’s stable of championship-able, consumer oriented cars that already includes the Mustang FR500S, FR500C, and FR500GT, the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang is race-ready from the moment of purchase, and will be available either from Ford dealers, or through the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog.

Produced from the same platform as the base V6 Mustang, the 2008 Cobra Jet comes with a 5.4-liter, 400-horsepower supercharged engine mated to a standard six-speed transmission, though there is an optional automatic version. It ships with a drag race wheel & tire combination. NHRA-legal to 10-second ETs, the car weights about 3,300 pounds and features an NHRA Stock Eliminator-legal interior. The appearance of the vehicle is unique, but retains the usual Mustang neatness, and is offered with an optional 2008 Cobra Jet graphics kit to give a bit more oomph o its design.

With a price of $69,900 (high enough to make searching for insurance quotes a must for new owners), it should come as no surprise that every one of the initial 50 2008 models have already been promised to eager customers, but no worries: Ford Racing has promised that future versions of the Cobra Jet will roll off the assembly line in the future.

It seems clear that Ford is as eager for the 2008 Cobra Jet to be on the track as their customers are. As Wolfe said, “We’ve built a Mustang for drag racing that we’ve very proud of. We’re confident that this, like all Mustang race cars, will be competitive, and a value for those looking to enter a variety of sportsmen classes. We can’t wait to see the car in the hands of customers.”
Delivery of the first fifty 2008 Cobra Jet Mustangs is slated for the early part of 2009, and the car is expected to see its first competition at the 2009 WinterNationals in February, in Pomona, California.

Now, I’m just waiting for Ford to launch a FORCE edition Mustang.

A Car Update! Shiny new Heads!

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We’re getting closer…..

And I’m getting really excited!

My A460 Trick Flow cylinder heads are done now, thanks to Chuck Ford and the guys over at CFH. They took the bare castings, worked their magic, and assembled them for me, so they’re all ready to head over to Mr. Moody to put on the new Horsepower & Heels bullet… a stronger, more powerful engine program than the last outing.

The car is currently over at Johnston Bikes and Body Works getting prepped and painted by David Johnston. He’s an incredibly talented painter, and had the tough chore of sorting out all the body work that had to be done to the car around the turbos, etc. Not an easy task for sure!

Once its done there, its final assembly time and then down to the PRI show to represent for Brisk USA! I’m so happy things are FINALLY coming together! I think 2009 will be an exciting year for Horsepower & Heels! New engine program, new look…. back with some attitude this time! Its been a long time coming, and hopefully it will prove worth the wait to all that have followed in the past 2 years wondering if I’d EVER race again.

Halloween NHRA style

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Racers have a good sense of humor.

Check out this shot taken by Mark Rebilas at the NHRA Las Vegas race during Halloween weekend.


This is Justin Humphrey’s Pro Stock crew member dressed as a matador with Justin’s car being the bucking bull….

A perfect costume if you ask me!

Also, I understand that Jack Beckman was running around the staging lanes dressed as Ricky Bobby, but I haven’t found photographic evidence of it yet. Anyone catch a pic??

Happy Halloweenie!