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.For someone who has always been described as a “driven” individual, I really have some explaining to do on my absence from all things Horsepower & Heels the last few years.
Believe me, its not from lack of missing the sport of drag racing, and all things Horsepower & Heels that took me the better part of 8 years to create. But, life happened.
When I finished my rookie season in Pro (2006), I was on top of the world and felt that I had momentum to carry me through all the dreams I had been working so hard to make reality. I had made in-roads towards Top Fuel, had secured funding for an upgraded body for my pro chassis, and had upgraded some critical engine parts for the following season.
But then I learned that the business of drag racing was a bit more cut throat than I had imagined. I made some costly mistakes. I trusted people who led me the wrong direction. And ultimately, I suffered in this economy with the rest of America.
For the first time in my racing career, I felt defeated. Jaded almost, from all the roadblocks and hardships and dishonesty I encountered. I let this negativity penetrate, and it resulted into several years away from the sport I love so much.
The website hadn’t been updated since 2009, I felt that it was the starting point for a reignite. But working two jobs to stay afloat meant there wasn’t much time to devote, and wanting something completely different meant I had to learn from the beginning.
I listened to my friends and fans ask me over and over: “Where are you?” “When was the car going to be done?” “Are you racing?” It should have fueled my desire to push forward as it always had, but instead, a small part of me died each time.
Every once in awhile during these jaded years, someone would call with a promising development. Every time it seemed it was a dead end. The effort and the money I spent chasing these dead ends started to add up. Pretty soon, I was so jaded that I stopped even trying to validate these leads. I had let the agonizing chase beat me.
I saw other ladies out there struggling too. I friended some, thinking if I couldn’t help myself then at least I could help them not make the same mistakes. I have always believed in Women in Motorsports.
But the truth that was always there during these years away from the sport: I love drag racing, and everything I do to fill this gaping hole in my heart stops miserably short. I wasn’t happy. I knew I missed this community, this family, and everything that racing means beyond the finish line. I knew that giving it up was something I let others dissuade me into believing was my only option. But its not.
So I’m giving it a Round 2. It may never be the dreams I had at 25, but I can find balance and with supportive family and friends, I will return!
