Celebrating, promoting and supporting women in motorsports and Moto Enthusiasts

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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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Representing: Rachel Yee

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Rachel Yee Horsepower & Heels

Rachel Yee shows off her Horsepower & Heels

Las Vegas drag racer, Rachel Yee shows us what her horsepower and heels look like with this cool shot by Divonte Photos.  Rachel drives this record-breaking Harley Davidson Edition F-150 down the quarter mile in just 10 seconds, at over 138mph.  We LOVE this photo!

Look out for more about Rachel Yee and her badass truck in an upcoming article!

Wanna get in on the action?

Help us get the Horsepower & Heels word out! Just pick up a Horsepower & Heels decal, or some other Horsepower & Heels merchandise from the E-Store – or even a Horsepower & Heels inspired photo and send us a picture!

Tune-in: Heels on Wheels

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Guest on ‘Heels on Wheels’ Radio

Heels On WheelsI was recently invited to be a guest on the Heels on Wheels radio show.   The show will air Thursday at 6:00 pm EST, and you can tune in to hear me chat with Heels on Wheels host, Krista Elyse, about women in racing, Horsepower & Heels, fitness, and more.

Heels on Wheels

Heels on Wheels is a weekly one hour show focusing on women in motorsports at all levels. Host Krista Elyse discusses a wide ranging series of topics on the sport of racing from a decidedly female point of view.

Featuring informative interviews with racing insiders and personalities and interesting discussion on the latest news and information, Heels on Wheels is from the ladies, but for everyone who loves motorsports racing!

Tune In

Be sure to tune in Thursday, at 6pm:   http://www.performancemotorsportsnetwork.com/pmn_player.htm

Throwback: Racecar Limo for Prom

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Today’s #TBT is a fun story from back in 2003.

Racecar LimoHorsepower and Prom Dresses

My little sister Lauren was going to her high school Prom, and wanted to make a cool entrance.   Rather than a played-out limo, I thought it would be way cooler to make a Horsepower & Heels style entrance- a RACECAR LIMO.   I decided to surprise her by picking her up and being her chauffeur in my Drag Radial foxbody coupe.   I mean, really, what would be more memorable than making an entrance in a 1600 horsepower turbocharged Drag Radial race car?

So, I put on my best chauffeur outfit: all-black with a little black drivers cap (not shown) and made the drive over to pick her up.   Still 100% streetable, I was even able to take advantage of the pin-removable door bars on the roll-cage to make it a little more “graceful” for her to get in and out in her gown.  She was pretty stoked!

A Powerful Entrance

We make the drive over to the high school, and I pull up to the entrance of the dance.   There were people arriving and trying to make their own entrances in limos, but a loud, flashy race car with a parachute hanging off the back quickly stole that show.   I revv’d it a little as we pulled up, threw it in park, and jumped out to open her door and help her exit.    By now, most of the guys in her class had abandoned their dates to come over and look.  Having heard the commotion from inside, a few were even coming out of the dance to check it out.    There were lots of “Whoas…” and “Way cools” being thrown around, and Lauren was smiling from ear-to-ear.

horsepower heels drag radial
Way cooler than a limo

I arrived a little early to pick her up, and was waiting in the parking lot.   The police officer assigned to the event walked over to me, and jokingly pulled out his citation book:

License to drive this thing and Insurance, ma’am,” he said with a laugh.   “You know, I could ticket you for having obstructed license plate, bald tires, exhaust…. but this is just too cool, so I’m going to let you slide.”

We chatted a little about what was done to the car, where I raced, and how many girls inside that dance were probably furious that their dates were still gawking at the cool race car outside.

After a little, Lauren made her way back outside to leave, to a growing crowd ready to watch her departure.    I did my best to make an exit without getting into any trouble with my new officer friend watching intently from the parking lot.

Man, I wish there was Youtube back then….  I am pretty sure my sister had the best entrance/exit of the night to Prom that year.

 

What fun ways have you incorporated your love for racing into normal day-to-day life?

Re-inspired Vision and Direction of Horsepower & Heels

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The Mission & Direction of Horsepower & Heels

2005 Horsepower and Heels
The Horsepower & Heels website back in 2005. (Courtesy: Wayback Machine)

In March 2005, after dabbling in self-learned website construction for a number of years on friends and family’s websites, I finally got the idea that I needed to build a website of my own.   Initially, it was a site to update my family and friends, and to experiment with the brand new world of Blogging. (Do you know how many people asked me what the heck was a BLOG back then, lol?)     During that time, I was in the process of selling my radial car, purchasing the Pro 5.0 Thunderbird, and making all the changes to go Pro 5.0 racing.

From its start in early 2005, through my “golden season” in 2006, and even for a few years afterwards as we embarked on the new build, the site grew beyond my wildest expectations, averaging 10,000+ unique visitors a month.   I found my voice in the racing world, and enjoyed the discussions I shared with readers who commented and contributed to the stories.   During that time is when I began to struggle, and those readers really helped me through some tough times I faced alone.

The Dark Times

By 2009, I was pretty involved with fighting my personal battles.   I felt myself starting to sound like a broken record of defeat on the racing front, as I just didn’t have the energy available to take on my struggles and finish the race car too.    That alone quieted the blog significantly from past years, but the final nail in the coffin was actually on the technical side.  Long story short, my blogging platform ceased support to externally hosted blogs, so while my content remained, I no longer had the ability to add new blog posts or update without starting over on a new website.

Examiner.com

Women In Motorsports ExaminerNot having much in the way of energy to devote to the daunting task of setting up a new website and hand-transferring 4+ years of content, I decided to try another outlet for my writing in March 2010.   I signed up to be a columnist for Examiner.com, and was granted my own Women In Motorsports column after a few months of other assignments proved my merit for the site.     Always a labor of love (I probably made less in the past 4 years on all of my articles than the cost of all the Lattes I bought staying up late to write them), I had always hoped that being part of a larger News organization would grow my readership and my catalog of published work vastly, until that ever-elusive motorsports PR/Freelance position would finally materialize (still waiting).

Changing Direction

4 years and 450+ articles later, I believe I have accomplished all I set out for with my Examiner.com Women in Motorsports column.   Even after I was finally able to relaunch the new site in October 2011 on the improved WordPress platform, I still had a hard time leaving my Examiner column behind.   It gave me a voice when my site was broken, and allowed me to continue to support all female racers and women competing in motorsports.  I am proud of the work I did and the wonderful press relationships that were made during these years.

But now that I am finally feeling 100% again, and able to invest the time and effort into making Horsepower & Heels everything I originally envisioned it could be for Women in Racing, I have re-evaluated my role with Examiner.   Though Examiner is a mass-media platform, my column was a highly specific niche and thus never more than a ripple on the site’s radar.   The majority of my readers were those sent to the articles via my own promotional efforts, and not a result of a larger Examiner readership.   The reality is, I was putting in hours of work to not own any of the content, all for essentially free.

ScreenshotWomen in Racing Advocacy

I don’t want to lose the work I’ve done there, so I still plan to write once or twice a month for Examiner (the minimum to keep my column active), but will now concentrate my effort on bringing content to THIS WEBSITE again.    I’ve set aside an entire category for Women in Racing, from regular news updates (much like what you’ve seen on Examiner), featured sites related to ladies in racing, resources for women in motorsports, and much more.  There’s a lot of housekeeping work still left to do to make it more user friendly, but I plan to continue to expand and grow this site as a powerful central source for all girls out there racing, to best tell our stories and celebrate our successes.    I hope you will continue to follow my work here, as I would love to hear and interact with all of you like never before.

Thanks for allowing me to chase my passion and advocate for all Women in Motorsports, then, now and into the future.

Helping Cale Aronson

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Cale and Tinzy AronsonCale and Tinzy Aronson are two of the hardest working people I have had the pleasure of meeting in the drag racing world.  I originally met them back in the Fun Ford Weekend days, when they were just dating, and was always proud to see how far they had come, both as a couple and in the Pro Stock ranks.

A few weeks ago, I got an opportunity to chat with them at the Bradenton IHRA race, where they were competing in Pro Stock.   We caught up and reminisced some on the Fun Ford Weekend days, and discussed some ideas for the possibility of a Fun Ford Reunion.

Sadly, just one week later, on April 25th, at the IHRA Palm Beach Nationals in West Palm Beach FL’s PBIR, Cale was involved in a terrible accident, with the car crossing the track and impacting the wall before rolling onto its roof and sliding down the track.    Initial reports were that Cale was alert and ok, but he was airlifted to the hospital and things got really quiet about his condition, until now.

Competition Plus.com just released the family’s statement.    Cale has suffered some very serious injuries to his spine, and is recovering from surgery to fuse vertebrae damaged in the crash.   Good news is that he has tingling sensations across his body, showing there is connectivity, but is still limited on the amount of movement he has over his upper body.    For now, he must let his body heal before beginning a long road of therapy to regain his strength and mobility.

The family has had an outpouring of support from the racing community since the accident, and continues to draw on that strength during this difficult time.   The Gwynn Family (of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation) stepped in to provide the Aronsons guidance and support, having experience with Spinal Cord injuries.

Tinzy and Cale AronsonHelping Cale Aronson and Tinzy

Cale remains in the hospital in Florida, surrounded by his family, all displaced from their Missouri home.    They will need support during this difficult recovery, helping them to offset the costs of his care and the family’s accommodations in Miami.   Godspeed Ministry, the official chaplain for the IHRA, has set up a Bridge the Gap fundraiser for the Aronson Family to help defray medical expenses.

For anyone wanting to send the family care packages or get well notes, they can mail these to:
Bupa International Patient Services Center
DTC Building, Ground Floor Central 152 for patient Cale Aronson
1080 NW 19th Street
Miami, FL 33136

Details of the Crash

Cale remembers every moment of the crash, and vows to help make these cars safer upon his recovery.  All the details can be found on Competition Plus.   Please visit their story for more.

Speed Scene Live TV

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On Air: Speed Scene Live TV

speed sceneTonight, listen in as I join the crew at Speed Scene Live to talk about the new car and Horsepower & Heels returning to racing.   The show airs live on www.speedsceneracing.com Tuesdays at 6pm Pacific/9pm Eastern (worldwide, GMT -8 hours winter, GMT -7 hours summer).

Be sure to tune in and support us!  

 

Clutchfunded SUCCESS

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Clutchfunded Campaign successClutchfunded Campaign a success at 112%

We DID IT!  Thanks to all the support of my family, friends and fans, our Clutchfunded campaign was a total success!  In just 30 days, 36 people contributed $3,350.00 to our Clutchfunded campaign, putting us at 112% of our goal of $3,000.    Over 1,100 people shared the campaign across social networks over the course of the 30-day program.     All of you are now part of the ReIgnite Team, and are a huge part of getting us back on the track.

Crowd funding for the Motorsports Community

This campaign was one of the first for a new crowd funding platform called Clutchfunded– the brainchild of another racing veteran, 25 year old Shannon McIntosh. Phase One of ClutchFunded’s long-term development includes a crowd funding platform to help connect racers with the ever-growing motor sport fan base. Following overwhelming response through a crowd funding initiative of her own, Shannon knew there was opportunity to create a unique approach for supporting race teams and drivers across the country.   Campaigns use an ‘All or Nothing’ funding model, meaning drivers/teams must meet or exceed the original goal before receiving their funds.   Contributors can choose from different racer-defined perks awarded for their donations.   If your sponsor is your biggest fan, why can’t your biggest fan be your sponsor?   The platform is open to racers, teams and other motorsport entities.  Check it out and set a goal for your season!

The Horsepower and Heels ReIgnite campaign was the first successful campaign on the new platform, and we are super proud of this achievement!   Thanks to everyone that made it possible!

Next up for Horsepower and Heels Project ReIgnite

What’s next?  Well, we get to start the build process.  I’ve been talking to several key folks to re-familiarize myself with current technologies that have evolved since the project was initially started.   Excessive Motorsports came on as a new sponsor, and they are helping us round up the last missing components for our engine program.  We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’ll be keeping you informed on this blog, so be sure to subscribe for updates!

Join Ignite Team Elite and the ReIgnite Team

Its not too late to help!   Since the Clutchfunded campaign was such a success, we’ll be offering some of the same perks here on Horsepower & Heels for our fans who would like to join the ReIgnite team and Ignite Team Elite.  Keep an eye out this weekend for the Perk Pages to be added to the team home page.

Fun Ford Weekend Alumni Reunion

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Fun Ford Weekend logoLately, there has been a resurgence of photos making their way around Facebook (thanks to Derek Johnson) from the Fun Ford Weekend (the Original Series) archives.  It has led many of us down that memory lane of the “FFW good ole days” , and reuniting many of the now retired Fun Ford Weekend racers of the day.

(you can see some of the pages here:   Pro 5.0 Photo Archives  |  Outlaw Archives  | Steve Grebeck tribute  |  Racin Jason Tribute  )

The Original FFW Alumni

The original Fun Ford Weekend series started in the early 1990’s and pioneered much of the drag racing street car scene throughout that decade and into the next, before shutting down in 2009 due to the economic downturn that hit the country.   But for the racers, FFW was like an extended family, and that presence is what is missing for many of the originals.

Amidst all the photos and throwback discussions posted around Facebook, a few of us started discussing the idea of a Reunion.    Whether it be just a social weekend event or maybe even a nostalgic race of sorts, there were many people interested in the idea of a FFW Alumni Reunion.   How fun would it be to get the old group back together for a weekend?!?

I’m definitely on board, and someone’s got to get the ball rollin’, so…..

Fun Ford Weekend Reunion Survey

In order to gauge interest on this project, I’ve put together a Google Survey to collect everyone’s info and opinions.  Once we get enough feedback, I’ll put together a Facebook group and Newsletter to keep everyone informed of the progress and details.

Here’s the form:  FUN FORD WEEKEND ALUMNI REUNION SURVEY

Please, fill out the form and share!   I’ve tried to stay in touch with as many people as possible, but I’ll need your help to get the word out.  Please share this post with all your old FFW pals and let’s GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Comments are open below if you want to connect!

Half way there! Clutchfunded Campaign

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We’re at the half way mark in our Clutchfunded Campaign.  But we still need YOUR help!

Clutchfunded Clutchfunded

Similar to other popular crowd funding platforms such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe, ClutchFunded was founded by a fellow female racer, Shannon McIntosh, after having achieved great success in her own crowd funding campaign.   Her idea behind Clutchfunded was to create a platform geared specifically towards racers and motorsport teams.

The way Clutchfunded campaigns work, friends, family and fans can contribute towards meeting an ALL or NOTHING goal. Once the goal is met or exceeded, the driver is considered ClutchFunded, and receives the funds raised through the campaign. The campaigns offer racer/team defined “Perks” that donors can choose from based on their contribution amount.

Horsepower & Heels ReIgnite Clutchfunded Campaign

Our campaign is focused on getting us some funds to ReIgnite the team and get us back on the track.   We have 15 days left to reach or exceed our goal of $3,000, and are currently 63% of the way there.    We need YOUR help to spread the word and get us to our mark.  Any amount is greatly appreciated, and you get some neat perks if we reach our goal!

ReIgnite Perks

Depending on your contribution, you’ll be listed on our Official ReIgnite page as a supporter, receive an Autographed Hero Card, Horsepower & Heels logo decal, Pin-up Girl style T-Shirt, exclusive access to the “Team Elite” membership group and more!  You can check out all the ReIgnite Campaign Perks on our Campaign Page.

We need YOU.

We are SO close, but with just 15 days to go, we could really use your help.  If you can’t contribute, we’d really appreciate if you could share this campaign often and everywhere.   We hope to see you soon, as we work to get Horsepower & Heels BACK on TRACK.

 Check out the >>>  Horsepower & Heels ReIgnite Clutchfunded Campaign

Clutchfunded Crowd sourcing

In Memory: Ryan Alexander McClure

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In Memory of Ryan Alexander McClure

Ryan Alexander McClure
June 17, 1988 – March 12, 2015

My heart broke Thursday when I heard the news that we lost a very dear family member of mine.   Ryan and his dad John are the two other gear heads in my family who I loved to talk shop and horsepower with.   They always lived too far away in Ohio, but some of my favorite memories growing up were their summer trips down to Florida to visit.   Those summer trips when we all got to be together I looked forward to all year long.

I used to kid Ryan about his various imports and Chevrolets he drove.  Kept trying to convince him if he wanted something fast, he needed to buy a Ford.   When he was younger, he even worked for Summit Racing.   As adults,  we didn’t get to see each other every summer anymore, but I still had a blast with him at his brother Sean’s wedding, where I was able to beat him at a few games of beer pong (if you can believe it).

It still hadn’t sunk in when I boarded a plane to Ohio to be with the family this week.   I kept expecting to see you roll in, joking like you always did.    The services held to celebrate your life were beautiful, man.   So many people loved you.   So many people’s lives you touched.   We got to hear all kinds of crazy stories, all the mayhem you caused and the laughter you always cultivated where ever you went.  You certainly are always the life of the party.  But the one common chord that rang clear, beyond all the shenanigans and funny times, is that everyone knew the loving and caring Ryan who just wanted to make everyone around him happy.

I am going to miss you so much.   I wish you were here so I could call you and tell you all about the new race car.   Wish I could hear you tell me how it’d be so much faster if it was a Chevy.  I was so looking forward to planning that trip to Norwalk to see you guys.   The passenger seat is now yours, Ryan.  I know you’ll be riding beside me, guiding my way down that track safe and sound.  I love you always.

Ryan’s Obituary

Ryan Alexander McClure of Stow departed this life too soon Thursday, March 12, 2015.

Ryan was born on June 17, 1988, in Akron and was a lifelong area resident.  He graduated from Stow Munroe Falls High School in 2006, and worked at A-1 Parking Lot Services for the last 11 years.  We knew Ryan as a generous, selfless young man who never knew a stranger.

Ryan was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend, and is survived by his parents John and María McClure of Stow; grandparents Jack McClure of Cuyahoga Falls and María Ortiz of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Ana (Steve) Theisen of Tallmadge, Joanie McClure of North Canton, and Kathy (Seth) Fritz of Louisville; two brothers, Aaron (Starla) McClure of North Canton, and Sean (Elissa) McClure of Dallas, TX; 16 nieces and nephews, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and Larry Weitzell of Stow, Ryan’s second dad.

He often said that his work was his heart. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing things whether it was his truck or a washing machine. Ryan loved making us laugh especially while wearing his banana suit and singing the “Peanut Butter and Jelly” song.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Felipe Ortiz, Sr. and Evelyn McClure.