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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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Heat #2: Racing on the Clock

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While I don’t have any REAL racing news to report, (*Yet!*) I figured I’d update you on our now bi-weekly office racing series results.   Gotta LOVE Racing on the Clock!

Race 2 Lap ResultsTRC Grand Prix Race #2

So this Friday, I would start in the #2 position (not that it matters on the course, you’re racing for time).   This would mark my 2nd time ever trying these carts, and now I had a better idea of what to expect out there.  The pressure was definitely on this time though, as some of the other guys had even taken to some weekend practice laps, gunning for the top of the list.

I started off in a pretty decent groove, and was maintaining and keeping position pretty well.   Pushed a bit too far on the hairpin turn, and ended up just saving it before spinning completely out.   I came to a complete stop on the track, and had to adjust and get back up to speed as quickly as possible.  I thought for sure I was done for, and all the remaining laps just felt off-pace afterwards.    I’m not sure what lap that happened on though, and it had to have been a REALLY fast lap before it occurred, because none of my laps were that far off my average at the end to even guess where it had happened.

Winner, Winner

At the finish line, it was HORSEPOWER & HEELS at the top of the leaderboard.   Wooohooo!  I had taken the fastest lap time, just barely edging out the previous champs time by like 5-thousandths of a second.   My best lap time had improved by more than 2 seconds on the same course from my first attempt a few weeks back.   My lap average just missed the top spot by less than a tenth of a second, so I’ve got some improving to do for next race.  I’m also just trailing in the overall points lead.

Maybe some of my cart/circuit racing ladies will chime in with some pointers and tips before our next race.  If so, lookout guys!

Racing on the Clock

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Grand Prix at TRCIt’s Friday, and just before lunchtime, I was informed that a group of my colleagues were taking a “Team building” field trip to Tampa Bay Grand Prix for a little lunchtime go-cart racing.   Apparently, a few had done this before and now were opening up the competition to the whole office.

Naturally, my reaction time in giving my “HECK YES” answer was 0.09 seconds.

Go-Cart Racing is Racing

Now, some knowing my drag racing background assumed I’d be a shoe-in, but apparently there are some rather competitive cart racing folks in engineering, so I knew the only advantage I would carry was about a 20 lbs weight advantage over the rest of them.    Add in the fact that I’ve not been in a go-cart (or anything remotely fun and fast like it) since 2008, and I was pretty uncertain of where I’d land in the final finish order (or how I’d ever live it down if I came in at the back).

Because they start you off with some space between you and the other go-carts in front of/behind you, it really becomes a race of you vs. the clock.   They started off by having us all throttled back, but around lap 4 they started turning them up.     It took me a minute to figure out the braking/accelerating curve of these things, especially once I figured out that mid-lap they had removed the throttle limiter.   I started really getting the hang of it the last 5 or so laps of the race.   We had a “Caution” throttle down in lap 8, but I am happy to report that I didn’t spin out AND stayed pretty consistent in my lap average.    I ended up in 2nd place in both average and top lap times, about 4 tenths of a second behind the 1st place average, and 7 tenths behind the fastest lap time.

Competitive, Much?

Completely stoked, I cannot wait for the next outing.  I’ve already been pumping up the rest of the office to start a bi-weekly lunch series, where we’ll post “The List” up in the breakroom in Street Outlaw style.    One of my coworkers pointed out that of course they’d leave it to the competitive racer to come in and make a full-on series and competition out of the team building experience.

But hey, what did they expect?

Woman Driver Advisory: Speed Dating

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As a woman in the racing world, or even a car enthusiast in general, you get your fair share of guys that want to “Show you how its done, sweetheart” on a regular basis.   I could write a book on the amount of smug one-liners people would throw my way thinking they were all so funny.

“Hunny, do you know where the gas pedal is on that thang?”

“Careful, you might break a nail.”

“Why don’t you slide over and let a real man show you how its done. ” 

After about the first hundred occurrences, you eventually just adopt the “If only you knew, stupid” face and suffer through the machismo.  Ladies, you know the face I’m talking about.

The Face I Make When a Guy Offers to Show Me How Its Done…

cool story bro

But what if you could turn the tables?    I saw this Speed Dating video online…. and was instantly jealous I never thought of it first.

Speed Dating – Stunt Driver Style

ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.   I am still laughing at their reactions.

How fun would that have been?   And I love how all of them were trying to remain calm.   I wish that seat also measured their “pucker” factor as well, I’m sure it would’ve been off the chart.

Kinda reminds me of this one time…. my little street racing prank back in the day.

Silly boys.  ::Shaking Head::

Las Vegas Gearhead Tour

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One good thing that comes from traveling for business, is that occasionally I get to do/see some interesting places that I likely would not have had the chance.

This week, I traveled to Las Vegas for a convention in the RV industry, but thanks to my good friend Eddie Maloney, I was able to escape for a few hours to see some of the greastest Las Vegas gearhead sightseeing opportunities Sin City has to offer.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas Motor SpeedwayThe Strip at Las Vegas is probably one of my favorite tracks that I’ve never raced before. Having seeing it briefly back in 2010 on another work trip, the atmosphere and scope of the facility is breath-taking. Eddie actually works for the speedway, so he was able to take me around on the grand tour of the facility. Its massive and highly impressive. Many people never leave Las Vegas Blvd. to see what else the city has to offer, and by this are missing the impressive activities happening just north at the Speedway.  In addition to the Strip, one of the most scenic stops on the tour with the desert mountains in the background, there is also the expansive NASCAR oval, dirt tracks, road courses, exotic car racing experiences and more offered on the premises.

We drove through the pit area of the NASCAR track, as one of the prominent NASCAR teams was on the track testing.   We didn’t go near the garage area, but driving through the tunnels and just seeing all the infield area was a neat experience.

I promised Eddie that once we get back on the track, if we are able to find the sponsorship support to make a trip out west for an event at the Strip, I’d definitely make the long haul west for the chance to race at this legendary facility.

Location:  7000 North Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Phone:  (702) 644-4444

 

Nellis Air Force Base

Nellis AFB ThunderbirdsAnyone who really knows me, knows that my first love has always been fighter aircraft.   In fact, its one of the reasons that I took up drag racing to begin with.  Just across the street from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, lies Nellis AFB.   During my 2010 trip to the national event, the Thunderbirds did a fly-by presentation at the track, which is as close to heaven on earth as you could possibly get me.   Eddie also happens to be AF himself, so he quickly zipped me across the street into one of the places I always dreamed of visiting.   Considering you have to be DoD ID’d to get in, I’d say this is a pretty VIP experience!

It happened to be a National holiday during my visit (MLK Day), and the base was pretty quiet, but I was still given the impressive tour of the facility.   The highlight— right there in front of me…. the entire Thunderbird squad on the ground.  About the only thing that could’ve made it better (aside from getting the chance to go up in one) would’ve been if I could’ve seen them taking off/landing…. perhaps another visit.    Either way, its a surreal moment getting to visit such a cool place.

Las Vegas Harley Davidson

Las Vegas Harley DavidsonThe brand new Las Vegas Harley Davidson dealership just opened in October of last year, and its spectacular.   Strategically placed just a few steps from the famous Las Vegas sign, its definitely a destination dealership.   They have a huge facility, with rentals, an expansive showroom, spotless service area, the largest Motorclothes display I’ve ever seen, and a lounge area for motorists.  They even have a Harley Davidson Wedding Chapel for those die-hards wanting to tie the knot in HD style.   They had a cool photobooth app too that sends out via social media or email a selfie postcard from your visit.   We spent quite a few minutes walking around checking everything out.   I imagine they have some great rides come through the area, and am considering renting a bike for some sightseeing next trip out if I can swing an extra couple of days in the desert.

Located:  5191 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas Nevada, 89119
Phone:  888-218-0744
Hours:  8:00AM – 9:00PM, Daily

Carroll Shelby Heritage Center

Carroll Shelby MuseumThe final stop on the gear head tour took me to the Carroll Shelby Heritage Center.   The center is a relatively new facility that houses a large collection of all the historic cars in the Shelby stable, including the first Cobra, prototype cars, the GT500KR and other items in the Shelby legacy.   The center also houses a huge shop area, where work is being done on many different Shelby models.  A Blue Oval girl like myself is right at home, but even Shelby’s brief Chrysler/Dodge models can be seen on display.   They had the new 2015 Mustang Shelby model on display, and believe me, I drooled all over it.   The gift area was surprisingly reasonably priced as compared to much of the other tourist trap gouging you see.    I didn’t even know that this museum existed in Las Vegas, so it was a happy surprise to have had the opportunity to visit.

Located: 6405 Ensworth St. Las Vegas, NV 89119
Toll Free: (844) 9 SHELBY (844-974-3529)or call (702) 942-7325
Hours:  Mon-Sat, 9:00AM – 6:00PM; Closed Sundays

 

You can see more photos from the trip in my Las Vegas Gear Head Tour album.

Happy New Year!

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New Year 2015Happy New Year!

Here’s to a prosperous and most importantly SAFE 2015 to all our family and friends!

We have a lot of exciting things in the works here at Horsepower & Heels.  We can’t wait for what’s in store!   Hang on for the ride in 2015!

 

Women’s Fire Suit Review

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Women's Fire Suits

If there is one thing that shopping for my next fire suit has taught me, all suits are NOT created equally.   Unfortunately, as the minority in the sport,  suits are not tailored well to the female shape, leaving  Women’s Fire Suits anything but flattering on the female physique.    Even among the custom fitted suits, my experience wasn’t great getting a suit that was presentable and well-functioning.    But as it comes time to order a new suit, I struggled to find any good feedback from women on what suites they had and liked, and which they didn’t.   So, I decided to ask for feedback on Women’s Fire Suits from my network of fellow female racers and share it with all of you.

Women’s Fire Suits Review

To help compare and standardize the review process, I created a few categories that mattered to most all women in shopping for suits.   First off, to be fair in comparing, the type of suit being reviewed:  Custom/Pre-Sized and SFI Rating.   Then, for each, I asked for feedback based on their experiences with form, fit, wear, mobility, and comfort.

DIna Parise, DJ Safety
Dina Parise, DJ Safety

DJ Safety

FIRESUIT:  DJ Safety Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/20  
REVIEWED BY:  Dina Parise  | NHRA/PDRA Pro Modified Racer  

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   YES!  Chest:  YES!   Waistline:   YES!

MOBILITY:   Very good. Comfortable sitting, standing etc….

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   4 months

Dina’s Comments:      Not only do I have a DJ Firesuit, but I have been outfitted by them from suit to shoes… as well as from Belts to Chutes! They are a pleasure to deal with ! If you call…ask for Ben and feel free to tell him Dina Parise Racing sent ya! We love their safety equipment so much, we will be carrying it at our shop Andi-Con Performance located in New Freedom, Pa.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

 Check out more from Dina Parise on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube

Sunny Hobbs G-Force
Sunny Hobbs, G-FORCE

G-Force

FIRESUIT:  G-Force Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/5  
REVIEWED BY:  Sunny Hobbs  |  NASCAR Sanctioned Modified Racer 

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Fine  Chest:  Snug   Waistline:   Snug

MOBILITY:   It’s always ‘fit like a glove’ which is likely due to the measurements I sent in to have it custom made, which is great standing up, but it’s always been a bit tight in a sitting position. I think perhaps the static measurements should allow more flexibility when sitting in a racing seat. Or perhaps I should have added onto the measurements I took, because like I said, although it looked and fit great in the standing position when I first got it, it’s not as generous or comfortable when sitting.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   more than 5 years, It has worn great. I have had no issues with seams or fading AT ALL.

Sunny’s Comments:      The G Force suit has been my best fitting women’s fire suit thus far, likely because it was a custom fit. I’ve had a Simpson suit in the past, and had a horrible time getting it to fit right, because the general sizes are really for men, not for women’s fire suits fit at all, much like racing seats. The Simpson suit had to be altered in the crotch, which was too large and long, and the waist which was way too big, and shoulders which were huge which made the arm length too long.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstar (4 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR)

Check out more from Sunny Hobbs on Facebook or Twitter

Jennifer Jo Cobb, Simpson
Jennifer Jo Cobb, Simpson

Simpson

FIRESUIT:  Simpson Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/5  
REVIEWED BY:  Jennifer Jo Cobb  |  NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Usually too big, but they work with me  Chest:  Same   Waistline:   Same

MOBILITY:   By time I have them take it in, the crotch is usually too tight.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   I have 3 new ones this year – usually get one or two new each year but use the old ones as well (3 suit changes per weekend between practice, qualifying and race).   It wears great – I wash in washing machine and it gets softer.

Jennifer Jo’s Comments:      I ask for my belt to be lower as it makes for a far more comfortable and flattering fit. This really spins out the makers and messes with the measurements. I usually have to go through at least 2 rounds of fitting after the suit is received but my latest suit came perfect! Still a bit large but much better. Simpson has done all of my suits this year and I appreciate the way they are willing to work with me to get just the fit that I want. They understand that we are photographed so much in these uniforms so fit does matter tremendously. Common mistakes are: shoulders too broad; no “hourglass” shape to contour to the body for a more flattering fit – they aren’t used to a larger chest measurement with such a small waist measurement; baggy bottoms. Trying to be photo ready for sponsors, safe for racing and comfortable all at the same time is challenging!.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR)

Check out more from Jennifer Jo Cobb on Facebook or Twitter

Kathy Fisher, Simpson
Kathy Fisher, Simpson

FIRESUIT:  Simpson Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/15  
REVIEWED BY:  Kathy Fisher  |  NHRA/IHRA Drag Racing – TD/SC/QR

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Good  Chest:  Good   Waistline:   Good

MOBILITY:   Great…but the arms are a little long/TIGHT!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   One Season.  I have been extremely happy with the quality of the fabric and the embroidery.   Diamond Fabric is 10x better than the last custom SFI 15 suit I had (from another company).  So much lighter! I’m much cooler than I had been and it still seems to be warm enough on the chilly/breezy days.

Kathy’s Comments:     Best overall custom suit I’ve had so far (Out of 4 total).  When getting measured….it’s not a bad idea to have someone do it at say, a bridal shop, a tailor, etc.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstar (4 STAR)

Check out more from Kathy Fisher on Facebook

Editors Note:  Of the reviewed manufacturers, Simpson was the only company that advertised women’s fire suits sizing available.
ShannonMudro, Hinchman
Shannon Mudro, Hinchman

Hinchman Racewear

FIRESUIT:  Hinchman Racewear Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/5  
REVIEWED BY:  Shannon Mudro  |  UMP Dirt Modified

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Perfect  Chest:  Perfect   Waistline:   Changed my waistline to rest where it should on a woman, fits perfect

MOBILITY:   Have full mobility, the suit is snug in all the right places, but not too snug.  They are cool in the summer and warm in the spring/fall.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   I have two suits from Hinchman that I wear, one is 4 years old and another is a year old.  Mild pilling on my older suit, but I wash my suits just about every week.

Shannon’s Comments:      For women it’s hard to find a suit that fits in all the right places. Heck, we can’t even find jeans that fit right! The struggles of finding a suit that fits well in a male dominated sport is challenging, and Hinchman’s custom suits helped me to look more professional and feel more comfortable. Highly recommend them to anyone!

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstarstar(5 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR)

Check out more from Shannon Mudro on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Nancy Matter, Deist
Nancy Matter, Deist Safety

Deist Safety

FIRESUIT:  Deist Safety Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/20  
REVIEWED BY:  Nancy Matter  |  NHRA – TAFC

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Fine  Chest:  Fine   Waistline:   Fine

MOBILITY:   Comfortable

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   Since 2005

Nancy’s Comments:       My suit is a little thicker, but I can control my body heat with my mind so it doesn’t bother me.  The main thing about my suit is that if we have a catastrophic failure and fire, I have the utmost confidence in the craftsmanship of my suit that ensures my protection during the stopping process and quick exit from the hatch.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstar(4 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR)

Check out more from Nancy Matter on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Erica Ortiz, Impact
Erica Ortiz, Impact

IMPACT

FIRESUIT:  IMPACT Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/20  
REVIEWED BY:  Erica Ortiz  |  Pro Street/Pro Modified

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Wide  Chest:  Fine   Waistline:   Snug

MOBILITY:   It fits okay standing, but its pretty snug and restrictive getting in and out of the car.   I was fitted for the suit by an Impact employee at the PRI show, and when I initially received it, it bared no resemblance of fitting in any area.  It was oversized in shoulders, arm length, torso length, waistline girth, basically I thought they sent me a 6′ tall male’s suit by accident.   They had me ship it back, and they reworked the suit, which helped some, but never did fully correct the issues.  The resulting suit is still a bit boxy in the shoulders and chest, then narrows down in the male v-shape and is straight cut through the legs from there.   This makes it a little too snug in my hip/rear area.  And the belt line is really high.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   8 years, though it only saw about 6 months of use.   The fabric and condition, seams, etc. are holding up well though.

Erica’s Comments:     I really thought that a custom ordered suit would be better fitted to the female body, but if my experience here is any indication, measurements aren’t able to alter the design of the pattern enough to compensate for a feminine figure.  To be fair, that was 8 years ago.   I’m sure they’ve had time to improve this for women.

FORM AND FIT:  starstar (2 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstar (4 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstarstar (3 STAR)

 Check out more from Erica Ortiz on Facebook or Twitter

Cassie Gannis, Axcel
Cassie Gannis, Axcel

Axcel Sports

FIRESUIT:  Axcel Sports Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/5  
REVIEWED BY:  Cassie Gannis  |  NASCAR Super Late Model Series/K&N Pro Series West

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   HUGE  Chest:  HUGE   Waistline:   HUGE

MOBILITY:   Didn’t allow for much movement

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   6 months, wearing good. No fraying tearing, pilling.

Cassie’s Comments:     For a male driver, definitely a great suit! But for a women, no. Even though the suit was custom the first firesuit came in way too big. I had a tailor take the measurements to be sure I made no mistakes. They company was great about sending me a new one. Again I had the measurements done by a seamstress. This time the suit came in way too small. The problem seemed to be that the suit was just not fitted for a woman’s body. The waist and hips of the larger and smaller one were just off. I eventually took both firesuits to a local well known seamstress, Kristen Gilbert, who measured me and literally took both suits apart and pieced them back together along with alterations. She even was able to borrow fire retardant thread from a local company. She went above and beyond to make the firesuit fit! I was so grateful!

FORM AND FIT:  star (1 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:  starstar (2 STAR)

 Check out more from Cassie Gannis on Facebook Instagram or Twitter

Rebecca Starkey, Stroud
Rebecca Starkey, Stroud

Stroud

FIRESUIT:  Stroud Athena Custom Fit  SFI3-2A/5  
REVIEWED BY:  Rebecca Starkey  |  NMRA True Street

FORM/FIT:   Shoulders:   Great    Chest:  Great   Waistline:   Great

MOBILITY:   Great.  I can get in and out of the car easily in the suit.  Full range of motion.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SUIT?   I have only had it a couple of months so I cannot comment as to wear.

Rebecca’s Comments:     Stroud instructs not add to the measurements, as they will make the suit fit appropriately for movement.  I am very happy with it.    I’m very petite and have had 4 babies in the past 7 years, so I’ve experienced lots of size changes.  Finding a women’s fire suit that fits has been a thorn in my side.  Having a suit that fits has made me look more professional and feel more confident.  Additionally, having room to “grow” is nice, as we plan to have more children in the future.

FORM AND FIT:  starstarstarstarstar  (5 STAR) 

WEAR/MATERIAL:   starstarstarstarstar (5 STAR) 

OVERALL RATING:   starstarstarstarstar  (5 STAR)

 Check out more from Rebecca Starkey on Facebook

Do you have Comments/Notes to add to this discussion?  Make sure you comment below and give us your feedback!

Dealing with Haters

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DRO Agent 1320 Erica Ortiz
Drag Racing Online 11/14

After chatting about my history, struggles and recent desire for a comeback, Eddie Maloney, a west coast friend of mine, decided he wanted to help me out by submitting a post on Drag Racing Online talking about my efforts to secure sponsorship.   The post, which appeared in their Agent 1320 column and on their Facebook page, marks the first time I’ve been in the drag racing press since my hiatus began back in 2007.

Keyboard Jockey-ing: Dealing with Haters

One thing that didn’t take long to come back to me, is how being in the public news like that puts you out there for the masses to pick you apart.   It’s one of the known necessary downfalls to being a woman in racing, the brutal chore of dealing with haters

Eddie, meaning nothing but well, picked a photo from my Latina Magazine photoshoot in 2007.   Latina Magazine is a fashion magazine (think Cosmo, Glamour) for hispanic women with a readership of over 2.5 million women (Latina.com).   The famous  photographer who conceptualized and shot the image, had just shot the likes of Eva Mendez the previous day.

For the photo, a stylist was flown in to prepare my “look” (hair/makeup/wardrobe) and the whole experience was a surreal one for this average drag racer.   (click the image at right to view full size)  I was placed in a fitted black pantsuit outfit, with a checkered tank underneath peaking out from the unbuttoned top.   I wore a set of beautiful stilettos, and was placed in a spectacularly lit trailer with a cool Mustang race car(not mine) behind me, foot atop a helmet.   It was, to me, a beautiful photo in which I not only felt proud to be a racer, but to be a beautiful and glamorous woman as well.  (It also was huge free exposure: like $45,847 worth- the going rate for an equivalent one page advertisement in the magazine.)

But this recent post took a little under 2 hours from when it hit the internet for the first hater to start the bashing.  I underestimated how much more problematic dealing with haters has become with the rise of Facebook (since my departure from the sport).

Shaming Women’s Bodies

The comments had nothing to do with my skill as a driver, my character or experience.   Every comment centered around MY BODY.   Now, those that know me personally, know that I am extremely conservative and shy, which make the claims made online even that much more far-fetched.   Friends and people I had never met were quick to defend me against these horribly sexist remarks, but the most disheartening part to me was the offenders — predominantly other WOMEN.

Last year, I touched on this subject when Courtney Force posed nude in ESPN and the drag racing world polarized on the issue.  Honestly, I knew it would be a controversial topic, and in my piece, I wrote about the blatantly sexist double standard- that they crucified Courtney but not John, or any other male in the issue for that matter.   But posing nude can be controversial in nature for any person based on belief, so although it was frustrating, it was not unexpected.

But what absolutely baffles me is how far these sexist remarks will go to demean women.   In these photos, I am wearing a pantsuit– the only part of my body exposed is my arms and face.    So naturally, I was a bit taken aback by these comments:

Amanda Pierce If one wants to be taken professionally & sponsored, one should not pose in such way that an easily photoshopped stripper pole might be inserted in such photo.

Interesting.  A stripper?   You see a fully-clothed woman and instantly think stripper?  I’m curious if you mean that in order to appear “professional”, I must look and dress like a male?   Because I don’t see any glitter or pasties or thongs, so apparently looking like a woman means that I am a stripper?

Jessie Mayunga Using your body to get an sponsorship…smh

Using my body.   What?  Am I, for some reason, to be ashamed of my own body all of a sudden?   The one God gave me?  The one I take care of regularly by going to the gym and eating healthy?  Or maybe I should wear a burka instead?  Is that the only appropriate attire for women- something that masks my form and displays no part of my individual self?  I didn’t know that clothes that fit my body would mark me as a harlot.  I am sorry that is so disappointing to you.

Divided, We Fall.

This is exactly the problem, not only in racing but in LIFE and the reason women today are still fighting for equality in the workplace and other areas.   Until we stop apologizing for being women, until we stop shaming ourselves and spewing hate instead of lifting each other up, we will ALWAYS be behind.    Why would I ever think denouncing myself in my female form, downplaying what makes me feminine and unique, would gain me acceptance and equality?   All that does is reenforce the idea that being a woman is somehow WRONG!

That IS the very reason Horsepower & Heels was created– because Who Says Horsepower & Heels don’t mix?!?  Not to mention, from a marketing business standpoint (which, by the way, is my profession by trade) if a company wanted someone who looked, dressed and acted like a man to best sell their product and brand, don’t you think they’d actually get a MAN to do the job?

I refuse to apologize for being a woman.  I’m not going to downplay my femininity.

I am ME: a badass 215mph driving, tire smoking, wrench turning WOMAN and Mom, in a pair of cute size 8 high heels.

Women Racing Groups and Networks

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women racing
Together, women can make a difference.

We all know how important networking is in our daily lives, but many times, we forget that some of the best sources of information comes from groups of our peers.  Who better to ask about the daily struggles, the small wins and the large windfalls, and all the other nuances that being a woman in the male-dominated motorsports world entails?

In an earlier post, I spoke about how important it is to be on the women’s team for our sport.  But maybe you don’t know that many other women racing?  Here’s a few welcoming women racing groups that will help you get started.   Don’t be afraid to join them and share your story.  Ask questions.  Offer your advice.   Don’t be afraid to reach out and to utilize this tool– this women racing groups and network of resources–available to you.  We’re all in this together!

LinkedIn Groups

  • Women’s Racing Network     Private Group
    A place where women involved in motorsports (or those who want to become involved in motorsports) can discuss any topics pertaining to the roles of women in motorsports currently and how these roles can be expanded upon, changed, or evolve. This is a group where women discuss their passion for a great sport and what can be done to help this sport experience continued growth year-after-year with the help of the female demographic.
  • Women of Motorsports    Private Group
    This unique networking group is for the amazing women who work and travel in motor sports. This group will be used to network, welcome new women, connect with those at the track, support, and much more.

Facebook Groups

  • Pink Racecars- Women Auto Racers Only    Closed Group
    This female-only group caters to any auto sport: drag racing, auto cross, rally, etc.
  • Women of Drag Racing   Closed Group
    Group caters to women in the drag racing arena.  From grassroots to professional ranks, any drag racing women are welcome.
  • The Female Racing Driver’s Appreciation Group   Public Group
    This public group is open to men and women who are supportive of female racing adventures.  A great place to share stories with a supportive fan base.
  • Women of Drag Racing Past and Present  Public Group
    A collection of stories of all the women involved currently, or who once donned a helmet and navigated the 1320ft pavement.   This public group is also a great place to share with supporters of the women in racing movement.
  • Women Racers   Closed Group
    Another great group of women competing in motorsports and a great place to share experience, get advice or help advance the women’s racing agenda together.
  • Female Motorcycle and Sidecar Racers  Closed Group
    For the two-wheel variety racers.
  • Women of Quad Racing   Closed Group
    A women’s group of ATV Quad racers

 Have a group you like not mentioned here?  Add it in the comments below!

My background, as I’m sure you can tell, is Drag Racing.   But chances are, there is a similar group in your racing genre.   Share it here for others to join you!

Dusting off the Horsepower & Heels Hotrod

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One of the hardest things about dusting off a project that has essentially sat unattended for the past 6 years, is getting a bearing for where you are and what needs to be done next.   I tend to get a little analysis paralysis thinking about where to start back on getting this race car done and back to the track.

horsepower and heels MustangThe Project Currently

So, just to recap, here’s where we left off:

Back when I was still in Alabama, my good friends over at Johnston Body Works had done a ton of work helping me out to get all of the fiberglass body work lined up and the turbo inlets molded.   They did such an awesome job with everything, and it looks fantastic.  But, I still needed to finalize some other elements on the car before it was ready to be painted.  Plus, I ended up moving away, so the car left before I was able to save up to have them finish the rest of the paint job.

Then life happened.   A lot of it, actually.   So much of it, that I wasn’t quite sure where to begin in dusting this project out of the basement and back onto the radar.  Luckily, I have a great partner that can unlock my paralysis with the voice of common sense and reason.   We compliment each other well in that department.

I met Alex in 2010, long after my last drag race, and almost a year removed from anything to do with the race car.   Of course, he knew I raced, but he had never actually SEEN the car, nor had any idea where I was at with it or what needed to be done to kick start motivation from the depths of deep jadedness.  It was actually one of the things I liked about him, that after so much public judgement and interference in my relationships previously, he loved me just for “individual ME” and not “racing me”.    Although he is quite gifted mechanically, and is a Master Technician for Harley Davidson, he had very little exposure to drag racing previously, and didn’t really pry much into my past or my racing program.    Plus, being jaded myself, I didn’t really talk much about it anymore either.  I let it fade away into the background while other priorities in my life took precedence.

But although you can leave racing, the racing never really leaves YOU.   So, after moving back to Florida, I started getting the racing itch again.    I started talking about it more.   Alex and I both enjoy riding together, but as we met the local crowd, we started getting invites to different shows.   My almost 2 year old son has proven to be a chip off both old blocks, and LOVES anything and everything to do with cars.    Being back around this scene really made me remember the great times I had, and it was Alex that reminded me that they are not over, that they don’t have to be just memories.

Next Steps

taillights for MustangSince the car has been stored down here for quite awhile, Alex got to see it for the first time too.  With his own projects (a ’67 Chevy C-10 pickup he’s resto-modding) and multiple bike builds, he quickly saw areas we could get to work on without needing a big sponsorship check to help pay for.    When he quizzed me on what was holding up the paint job, I pointed out that it needed taillights and headlight provisions as well as a rear wing.   Within minutes, he found a set of donor taillights and made some phone calls to local friends he had made that could give some direction with mounting them into the body.      Where I hadn’t known where to begin, he drove right in and got the ball rolling.    Suddenly, this project doesn’t look so daunting, and I’m really excited that he’s shown such an interest and responded with so much support.

I am really thankful for his efforts and looking forward to this adventure!

Women in Motorsports Examiner

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Women In Motorsports Examiner

Editor Update, May 2015:   My writing efforts for women in motorsports have since moved to THIS website.   But I invite you to view the collection of over 400 articles still archived on Examiner.com

Back in August 2010, I took an assignment as the Women in Motorsports Examiner for the news website, Examiner.com.    In the past 4 years, I’ve written over 400 articles promoting women’s racing news, acquiring info as often as possible to educate the public about the wonderful accomplishments and the diversity of women in the racing world.    The collection of articles spans everything from drag racing, IRL, NASCAR and even the junior ranks and karting.

Every woman I find out in the racing world, I’ve offered to cover their news and asked to be added to their press release database so that I can share their news with the world.   Its a labor of love, not a job, and something I’m very passionate about.    For racers, its a source of publicity for yourself, your team and your sponsors.  For women in racing as a whole, its an opportunity to put the cause in the spotlight and show the mainstream just how big an impact we are making in the motorsports world.    Features range from high profile stars like Danica Patrick and the Force girls to young start-ups trying to make a name for themselves.   No matter the news, if its related to women competing, it deserves to be shared.

Subscribe to Women in Motorsports Examiner

Want to stay up to date on the latest news, features and other Women in Racing headlines?   One great way to support women in racing is to subscribe to the column (for free), and get new articles delivered to your inbox!   (And my thanks for supporting the cause!)    I also appreciate the shares and comments on the articles.  That helps get the good word out to the masses!

Send News, Stories, Updates and Features

Know of a racer who needs to be included?  Send me their news information or comment below!   My inbox is always open for press releases and photos, story ideas and any other info related.