Featured

Megan Meyer wins 2019 Top Alcohol Dragster Championship

October 14, 2019 // by Horsepower & Heels

This season proved to be a historic one for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series TAD driver Megan Meyer. Not only did she carry home the win for the rain-delayed NTK NHRA Carolina Nationals in the quickest side-by-side pass on record in TAD, but she also secured the 2019 NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Championship – becoming the first female in history to win a TAD Championship.

https://www.facebook.com/NHRA/videos/2959620090732650/

via NHRA Facebook

In the final round, Meyer took on former teammate and points rival Troy Coughlin Jr. With the pressure on, Meyer drove to a 5.149, 281.48, her best run of the weekend, to squeak by Coughlin’s competitive 5.169, 280.80 mph run. The pair marked the quickest side-by-side TAD runs in history, and Megan’s win light gave her not only the win for the NTK NHRA Carolina Nationals event, but also gave her the points needed to make the title official.

Megan Meyer officially clinched the 2019 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster national championship.

Last season, Meyer finished the 2018 championship season as NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster’s third-place finisher. This season, she was gunning for the championship out of the gate, appearing in 12 finals this season and scoring seven victories in her injected nitro dragster. She is aided and tuned by her father, Randy Meyer. Megan’s victories this season include four national event titles – with marquee wins at the prestigious 50th annual Amalie Gatornationals and the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.

Meyer is the fourth woman to win an NHRA Lucas Oil Series sportsman championship, joining class champions Amy Faulk (Super Stock, 1979), Jackie Alley (Super Stock 2011), and Mia Tedesco (Super Gas, 2016).

A big congrats to the new champ from all of us at Horsepower & Heels!

Terry Chandler leaves legacy of love

July 5, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Drag Racing mourns the loss of one of the most kindhearted and generous supporters in the sport. Don Schumacher Racing sponsor and supporter, Terry Chandler leaves a legacy of love in her wake that has touched the lives of many people in the sport and in the community. Her generosity and charitable efforts behind the Make-A-Wish and Infinite Hero Foundation NHRA Funny Car programs will continue to live on in the hearts of thousands.

Sadly, Terry Chandler lost her valiant fight with brain cancer on Tuesday, July 4th. She was 65 years-old when she died in Florida with family and loved ones at her side.

Terry is a great human being who devoted the past few years to helping the Make-A-Wish and Infinite Hero foundations with her love and kindness by funding two of our Funny Car teams,” said Don Schumacher, DSR owner and close friend. “Terry is such a beautiful person. She was so much more than a friend and partner. She is family. We will always see that wonderful smile of hers at the starting line.”

The native of New Mexico missed the NHRA Mello Yello Series event at Las Vegas in early April and a few days later underwent major surgery to partially remove one of three tumors in the front lobe of her brain. An MRI determined that she was suffering from Glioblastoma cancer. She was immersed in the fight of her life and battled valiantly to the end.

Terry Chandler was presented with the NHRA Blaine Johnson Award in 2015 for her dedication to helping others.

I love to race,” she told Autoweek magazine in a 2015 article. “And bless my heart, I love to win. These gol-darned cars, I just love ’em.”

Earlier that year, she was described as being “the most influential woman in drag racing” by the Inland Valley (Calif.) Newspapers.

I never dreamed that I would be blessed in a way that would allow me to help others,” she told the Southern California newspaper. “Helping people is one of the most important things in the world to me – my daddy, John R. Gray, was an extremely giving man, and I learned from him how important it was to bless the lives of others. That is why this means so much to me. I feel very fortunate to be in this position.”

Terry Chandler became a fixture at NHRA national events when her brother, Johnny Gray, drove a Funny Car for DSR. In 2013, Terry and Johnny decided to fund the car he drove as a tribute to their late father John R. Gray, a self-made man who rose to legendary status in the New Mexico and north Texas oil industry.

Upon Johnny’s retirement from driving at the end of that season, Terry began funding the team and added driver Tommy Johnson Jr. Terry and her husband, Doug, own and operate Chandler Aviation at the Cavern City Air Terminal in Carlsbad, N.M. Instead of flying the colors of Chandler Aviation on Johnson’s Dodge Charger, she chose to use the racecar as a platform to promote awareness for a great cause. The car was painted and the transporters were wrapped with a striking Make-A-Wish design. She wanted her racecar to be a “giving car.”

Chandler and DSR host “Wish Kids” and their families to the VIP hospitality pavilion next to the race team’s pit area on Saturdays at each of the 24 Mello Yello events held in 21 markets across the country. The Make-A-Wish crew has the opportunity to engage with the children, giving them a tour of the pit area and racecar.

After a few months of committing to fund the Make-A-Wish team, another DSR team appeared close to dissolving when Terry Chandler, the woman with the infectious smile, stepped in to fund Jack Beckman’s team and donated its branding to the Infinite Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that combats the most difficult front line issues by providing grants to help the physical and psychological challenges faced by returning military veterans.

More than $300,000 has been raised by the sale of “challenge coins” Jack Beckman carries on each run for a $100 donation to Infinite Hero and nearly $500,000 has been raised for the organization through Terry’s efforts.

For the past two years, she funded the Riley Kids Funny Car to benefit Riley Hospital for Children in Indiana during the prestigious U.S. Nationals near Indianapolis. She contributed additionally during DSR’s annual Open House that weekend that also raised funds for Riley Kids, often bidding on items she would donate back to the effort.

She funded countless Make-A-Wish dreams to provide monumental memories. She always made it clear to the “Wish Kids” that the racecar was their car. She would proclaim, “This is YOUR racecar.”

And it will continue to be this weekend when her Make-A-Wish and Infinite Hero teams race for her during the NHRA Route 66 Nationals near Chicago.

Terry is just an incredible lady, and we’ll never know how many lives she impacted,” Don added. “We’ll miss her every day, but we’ll never forget her smile and he big heart.”

A private funeral service will be held with a public memorial tentatively set for over Labor Day Weekend near Indianapolis during the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Jody Perewitz – Land speed Motorcycle

April 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

For some, passion for speed and power is hardwired into their DNA. For New England native, Jody Perewitz, Land Speed Motorcycle racing was a natural-born evolution in her upbringing.

Born in Bridgewater, MA, Jody Perewitz has been on 2-wheels since she was old enough to walk. Her father, Dave Perewitz, has been involved in automotive customization since the late 1960’s. Opening his first shop in 1973, his focus shifted to 2-wheels as his lifelong passion of motorcycles became his calling via Perewitz Cycle Fab.

“My dad started working and painting cars with a bunch of friends on the late 60’s. He quickly moved on to motorcycles. He opened his first shop in 1973. He is still painting in our booth and wrenching on bikes.”

Growing up, Jody would tag along with her brother Jesse in everything he did. He had a passion for small engines, and Jody would often learn from him in his adventures.

When we were younger we would race in the woods or fields around our parents property. A few times we would race at a local motor cross track. My brother was always will to teach me whatever he knew, whether it was how to ride or how to fix things. Still to this day my brother and I are very close and i look to him for advice and/or knowledge.

But as they got older, it was Jody who would possess the 2-wheel passion gene, living and breathing motorcycles like her father.

My brother, Jesse, is a superintendent at a local golf course. He also has a small engine repair business on the side. He has helped my father with the business in the past, but motorcycles just aren’t his thing. He is very good at what he does and, like my father and I, he has a passion… its just that his is for small engines.”

When Jody completed high school, she wanted her chance to make the jump into the family business. But her dad had other ideas, and insisted on her attending school. Earning a full scholarship from the University of Massachusetts, Jody pursued her bachelors degree in Political Science before jumping head first into the motorcycle industry after graduation.

My major in college was Political Science. My degree does not help me so much at work, but some business classes I took have been helpful. I like the fact that I can always fall back on my degree and even someday apply it to motorcycles. I am glad my parents pushed me to finish school.”

Now, she is an integral part of the family business, and has mentored under her father in the craft of custom painting. Jody handles the marketing functions for Perewitz Cycle Fab, taking care of event planning on their Paint Shows and Bike Nights. She also works on parts ordering and customer service. But her heart is in the paint booth, and she tries to spend as much time as possible perfecting her craft when not taking care of the daily shop needs.

I have done about half dozen full motorcycle paint job as well as tons of helmets, mugs, yeti cups, and other random things. I love being creative and artistic.”

Jody Perewitz – Land Speed Motorcycle Racing

It wasn’t until 2011 that Jody Perewitz discovered Land Speed Motorcycle Racing. Having only done some local racing against her brother, she entered the Bonneville Land Speed scene after purchasing a Christmas trip for her dad. Once she surprised him with the trip, it was her dad who brought up the idea of racing herself.

I bought my dad a trip to Bonneville for Christmas. He said ‘Well Jod, we can’t go to Bonneville and not race.’ So I said ‘OK, I’m riding it’!”

Jody looked into the different records and class structures, and discovered that the record for the fastest female on an American made bike hadn’t yet reached the 200 mph milestone. Making that their new goal, Jody and her father set to work finding some sponsorship partners to begin their first Bonneville Land Speed Motorcycle racing attempt.

My first bike was 100ci supercharged twin. The class we were in was special construction frame, partial streamline, pushrod, blown, and either gas or fuel, 1650. We worked feverishly for 2 months on building this bike. We have been building bikes for 30+ years, and don’t get me wrong, our bikes are built to ride, but also to look nice… this bike was not at all about looks. We needed function and SPEED. Something we weren’t used too… so it was a little challenging. But we had really good resources, advice and help, and we made it happen.”

Her first Landspeed outing with the bike was at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Setting up there to test the bike, Jody would get her first experience and much needed seat time in Land Speed racing trim. It was her first time to even ride the bike, so after arriving, she rode around the track in normal clothes to get the feel of the new land speed machine.

It was a beast! Definitely nothing I was used to, but I knew I could adjust and learn.”

After getting acquainted with the bike, Jody Perewitz was ready to put on her brand new racing leathers. Having never worn full leathers before, the racing attire presented a new challenge for the rookie – trying to get comfortable in stiff protective clothing.

Getting on the bike became a challenge! My leathers were heavy and stiff, when I went to take off on the bike, I couldn’t get my feet up. The leathers were so awkward at first, I couldn’t find the pegs.”

Set up solely to race, the bike was also very different than anything Jody had ever ridden before. Pegs and seating position were maximized for racing, and had the rider tucked in a race-hugging position on the bike. Jody, an accomplished rider on the street, was far out of her element on a land speed motorcycle. This created some apprehension and anxiety for the land speed rookie.

“I said to my dad, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t even get my feet on the pegs!’ I was worried at that point, but my dad said ‘Oh Jod, come on, you can do this, you just have to practice’.”

And practice they did. Over and over, until Jody could confidently and consistently get her feet on the pegs quickly. That encouragement and a little practice was all she needed, she was able to get much more comfortable on the bike. Improvements came quickly as their trip to Bonneville approached. That early apprehension did nothing to deter Jody from her goals.

“I honestly think that has been the only point in my race career that I was nervous or upset,” she added, knocking on wood. “But my dad’s confidence in my quickly washed it away. We set a land speed record at 164 mph with out the fairings on that weeeknd. At the time we were ecstatic at that speed!”

About a month after Loring, Jody and family headed west to Bonneville Salt Flats. In addition to being the designated rider, Jody also helps out by cleaning up the trailer, driving the truck on the long hauls, and coordinating the parts and other sponsor efforts. The bike, which they tested minus the body fairings during their Loring outing, was now finished and ready for the big Bonneville journey. Her first time trial on the Bonneville Salt Flats would mark the first time riding the bike with a full fairing/partial streamline body.

“I took some good advice from fellow racers about the wind and riding with a body. I got the hang of it immediately. There were a few moments of the wind pushing me, but I used the advice I was given and quickly adjusted. Bonneville is just a mystical place… Even if I stopped racing now, I will always be so proud to say I raced an American motorcycle that we built at speeds over 200mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats!”

But Jody rose to the challenge easily. Her rookie attempt landed her as the fastest female on an American Motorcycle at 203 mph. This earned her entrance into the prestigious Bonneville 200mph club, and the respect of her peers.

When we first said we were going to race at Bonneville, and that our goal was 200mph, people would literally laugh and say good luck or I could just read peoples expression that they thought ‘Oh ya, sure you will’. It became a point where I stopped telling people I was going to go over 200. I had complete confidence that we could do it! All of us working together including the weather/salt, we would do it. When we did hit 200 there was probably 25 people who came up to me and said ‘Wow, I never thought you would do it’.”

Jody has made the return to the salts several more times in the following years, and is in her 6th year of competitive racing. She holds 15 total land speed records; 4 No. 1 AMA plates, the world’s fastest female on an American bike, a seat in the Bonneville 200 mph club, and other notable achievements.

Racing at speeds of over 200mph is the coolest! Also being able to say I have raced at the Bonneville Salt Flats is pretty unique. Last year, there was a little over 300 people racing and only 19 were females. We are going back to Bonneville this year as well as some other races. I want to beat the man’s record for fastest v-twin. So, it looks like I will be pushing to go 245 mph ultimately …that is, until they go faster! We will get there, it’s just a matter of time! I am very proud that motorcycling is not just my passion, it’s in my blood.”

Jody will return to the salt this year in the APS_PBG2000 category with a partial streamline, 315 horsepower, 120ci turbocharged v-twin with a 5-speed transmission. Last season, she ran a smaller 100ci supercharged entry, and is looking forward to the push forward with the new powerplant. The hardest part has been finding the funding to be able to compete each year, and thanks to the sponsors that have supported her, and the confidence of her father, she has been very successful in her quest. As far as what it takes to chase her racing dreams, she offers this advice:

Hang in there! Don’t give up, it might take a little longer or a little more work but if you believe and stay confident it will happen.”

We can’t wait to see where she will end up next!

Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 livery

March 11, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Drag Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driver Megan Meyer debuts new 2017 livery this weekend at the LODRS Division 2 Southeast Regional event, Prelude to the Gators, in Gainesville, FL.

The Randy Meyer Racing A/Fuel Dragster welcomed new sponsors for the 2017, opting for a total redesign for Megan’s sophomore season. The team returned to the well-received and recognized pink, purple and blue colored livery.

I wanted to step into my sophomore year with a new look,” says Meyer. “I love the way how the pink and purple and blue stand out on the track. A big thanks to Accelerated Designs for the layout and Fineline Graphics for printing the wrap.”

New sponsors come aboard for 2017 in Technician.Academy, Aeroquip, and ProThings and existing sponsors return in Meyer Truck Center, Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Gunk Cleaners, Clevite Rings and Bearings, Horsepower & Heels, ARP Bolts, Taylor Cable, and Racepak for the new livery debut.

Originally scheduled to unveil during the upcoming Gatornationals event, the team accomplished much during their pre-race test session at Gainesville Raceway. Testing out new setups and tuning, they made quick progress during testing.

We were trying out new combinations with the car that did not meet our expectations on the first day, so we went back to our original game plan and the car ran a stout 5.202 E.T. at 279 mph for my first full quarter-mile pass.”

Testing went so well, the team decided to enter this weekend’s LODRS Division 2 Regional event “Prelude to the Gators”. This means fans at the regional event get the added bonus of the unveiling as Megan steps up for her first race of the year.

I am thrilled to be back at the race track; being at the Nitro Spring Training and the Winternationals as a crew member was a blast. I always enjoy going back to helping out on the top end and bottom end of the motors. But, my heart is set on driving, and I am more confident than ever in my team and in my race car that we will be championship contenders this year.”

Prelude to the Gators – Gainesville Regional

There are 12 cars entered for this weekend’s Gainesville Regional event. One of which is Megan’s new teammate, young upstart Justin Ashley in his TAD competition debut. After Friday’s qualifying, the teammates captured the top of the qualifying order, with Megan running a 5.239 at 274.55 mph for the No. 2 position and Justin at No. 1 with a 5.205 at 278.86 mph.

The pair will hit the track again tomorrow, battling it out for their first win of the season.

Upcoming Schedule – Megan Meyer Racing

GatorNationals, March 16-19, FS2 | March 30 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
Belle Rose Regional, April 7-9
SpringNationals, April 21-23, FS2 | May 4 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
Four-Wide Nationals, April 28-30, FS2 | May 11 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
Heartland Nationals, May 19-21, FS2 | June 1 | 8:30 – 9:30 PM ET
Tulsa Regional, June 22-25
Route 66 Nationals, July 6-9, FS2 | July 20 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
St. Louis Regional, July 22-23
Topeka Regional, July 27-29
Lucas Oil Nationals, August 17-20, FS2 | Aug 31 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
U.S. Nationals, August 30-Sept 4, FS2 | Sept 14 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
Earlville Regional, September 8-10
Carolina Nationals, September 15-17, FS2 | Sept 28 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET
Dodge Nationals, September 21-24, FS2 | Oct 5 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
Noble Regional, October 6-8
FallNationals, October 12-15, FS2 | Oct 26 | 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET

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.

2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year

January 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Every year, we like to take the opportunity to recognize our fellow women peers excelling in Motorsports and Automotive. Ladies in the pits, on the track, and in the boardrooms were all making big moves and celebrating amazing milestone victories. Our second annual awards have welcomed a few new faces to the mix and quite a few familiar names back from the 2015 Women of the Year nominees.

The 2016 Horsepower and Heels Women of the Year Awards is our way of recognizing the women that are out there working hard and making things happen in the motorsports world and in automotive.

Over 400 ballots were cast in 8 days, nominating different women in motorsports. The competition was tight, and some of the races came down to the final hour of voting.

So without further delay, we’re proud to announce:

DRUMROLL, please……

2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year

Congratulations to all the 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year winners and nominees and best of luck in 2017!

Feature: Stewart Sisters Racing

December 30, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

This young, up and coming New Zealand duo are making waves in the Karting Racing world. Say hello to the Stewart Sisters Racing team, our latest featured drivers!

Wellington, New Zealand natives Ashleigh and Madeline Stewart were born into the world of Karting Racing. Their grandfather and father, both established racers, introduced them to the sport from the time they were very little, and the sisters have grown up at the racetrack, spending countless hours participating in the family pastime. Once the girls came of age, it was a natural progression that both would carry on in the racing tradition.

Ashleigh Stewart – Stewart Sisters Racing

The older of the pair, eighteen year-old Ashleigh Stewart first attended the races when she was just 6 weeks old. Growing up around her father and grandfather’s racing background, Ashleigh couldn’t wait for her turn behind the wheel, getting her racing start at the age of 10, after begging her father for 2 years. Now in her eighth year of racing, Ashleigh competes in the Rotax Light Karting division.

In the beginning, as Ashleigh was learning and developing her skills, she admits that she was not particularly competitive within the field. But the junior racer worked hard, and with the help of her family and several driving coaches, has made considerable progress in her career and driving technique. This hard work began to payoff, and in 2015 she earned a first place Rotax Light win at the KartSport Manawatu Championship race. That year, she also finished 3rd in the Yahama Light division at the Kart\Sport NZ South Island Champs.

In 2016, she would begin studying under a new driving coach in Tom Williamson. Joining his team in Australia for 2016 has seen a major impact in her driving performance, as Ashleigh stepped up in driving skill and proved to be a front-of-field challenger all season long. She would finish 7th overall in Rotax Light at the KartSport NZ Nationals, and 2nd overall at the KartSport Hawkes Bay Blossom event.

For Ashleigh, this career-progression has taught her much both on and off the track. Being one of few females in the sport, she’s used to the attention — both good and bad.

“I guess for me it’s normally surprise when I tell people what it is I do, I don’t fit the typical type of person everyone expects would love motorsport. I love fashion, makeup and motorsport, they don’t usually go together. For a long time, I was not particularly competitive and everyone was my friend. Recently I’ve begun to race towards the front of the field and things have gotten more tense. I’ve had some criticism on social media but it generally backfires as there are more people who make positive comments that negative. The negative comments just make me want to race harder and to be better.”

Ashleigh Stewart - Stewart Sisters Racing

Being treated just like everyone else on the circuit is par for the course, and Ashleigh takes her off-track duties seriously as well, putting in work mechanically to aid in her kart setup, and keeping everything clean and performing well. In addition to her on-track training, she also keeps up with her fitness to handle the demands of racing.

I do a lot of fitness training at the gym. Fitness is really important for the long test days and also the longer races. My trainer is ex army so he pushes us hard but makes it fun at the same time and I really enjoy the challenge. I build muscle quickly so for me its about keeping a balance between weight training for strength and cardio for the endurance. It is important to be able to keep your concentration up at all times and being really fit is essential.”

For the upcoming year, Ashleigh will be making some big moves, heading off to attend university in Melbourne, Australia. In what will surely be a busy year both personally and in her racing career, Ashleigh plans to take much of the momentum she has gained this season in her driving and convert that into more podium finishes. She also aspires to make the bigger jump from karts to cars ultimately, and is looking forward to the new challenges that await in her journey.

I’ve had good pace over the past two years and I’d like to do a better job of converting that in to results. This year I want to get some solid podiums and work towards a move to cars in a year or two.”

Balancing her love for racing, and her feminine side has always been an easy measure for the eldest Stewart Sister, who doesn’t cave to the pressures that she must sacrifice her femininity to be taken seriously as a competitor in the sport.

The best piece of advice I got — and advice I often pass on, is to always show up as yourself. If you like pretty things and to look good then make sure you carry that through to your racing. There is no need to look like one of the boys to be successful in Motorsport.”

Madeline Stewart – Stewart Sisters Racing

Sixteen year-old Madeline Stewart followed closely behind her older sister in the family sport, taking up driving in 2010 and following in a very similar path as Ashleigh.

At the beginning I was very slow but we kept going racing doing as many meetings as possible. It was not until 2013 when I moved in to Juniors that I started to show any pace. We had the opportunity to go and race in Australia at the end of 2013 and that was a big boost. We brought the experience from racing in bigger fields back to NZ and in 2014 I started to race competitively.”

Now racing for the past 7 years, she competes in the Rotax Light and KZ2 divisions and has already amassed quite a few accomplishments in her young career. In 2014, she finished 6th in the Rotax Junior class of the KartSport New Zealand National Schools. She went on in 2015 to finish 5th in both Rotax Junior and Yamaha Juniors at the KartSport New Zealand Nationals, and 2nd in Rotax Junior at KartSport New Zealand South Island Championship.

Madeline also joined driving coach Tom Williamson and his team in 2016 and the results were quickly showcased with a No. 1 qualifying performance in Rotax Junior at the KartSport New Zealand Nationals and a 4th place finish. She also made the jump to Rotax Light at the New Zealand Rotax Challenge Round 5, and qualified first there as well in her first race as a senior.

Tom has some special techniques he uses to get the best out of the drivers in his team. Racing as part of a team has really improved my driving. I’ve had a few top five qualifying in the really competitive Rotax Pro Tour in Australia and Pole positions in NZ. Recently I’ve started racing in KZ2. They are the formula 1 of karting and are really challenging to drive. I raced at the CIK-FIA Asia Pacific KZ Championship in Macau as part of a 6 person TWM team.”

Off-track, Madeline also works out regularly to increase her physical fitness performance, and for the past 3 years has enlisted the help of a personal trainer to work on strength and endurance, both very important to driving karts and especially critical in the more physically demanding KZ2 vehicles. She spends a lot of time going over data from races to help improve, and can handle most of the mechanical duties on the kart when needed. For Madeline, the toughest part comes in balancing her racing ambition and her school studies:

The hardest thing has been fitting in school with my racing particularly with the international travel. Education is very important to me as well as my racing. I have to do well at school over the next two years to ensure I can go to University when I want to as well as it being a really critical two years for my Motorsport career. Motorsport is as much a mental game as it is physical. The physical side is relatively easy to overcome with an good exercise program but the mental side is much more difficult especially for a woman. You’ve got to work hard not to let the external factors affect your performance. Having a great coach helps, especially one that treats you as an equal with your team mates.”

Being one of the few females in the sport hasn’t really affected Madeline much directly. Though the attention of being a young woman on the track comes with added pressures and sometimes judgemental critics that examine performances under a microscope, she hasn’t experienced much negativity related to her gender.

I’ve only had one major incident with another competitor telling me I should get out of the way and that females should not be allowed to race. When I was younger there was a general feeling that I was not as good because I am female. All that just made me want to do better and push myself harder. Now days I get mostly positive reactions, I am just as fast as the boys and have earned their respect. The funniest experience was in Macau where I got lots of attention for being the only female in KZ. I had lots of people wanting to take selfies with me.”

That experience came on a recent trip to Macau for the CIK-FIA Asia Pacific KZ Championship. Madeline was the lone female racing in KZ, and had the attention of media and fans during pre-race ceremonies on the starting grid. Media, officials and other drivers were all encouraging of Madeline and lined-up to take selfies with the popular young driver.

Madeline Stewart - Stewart Sisters Racing

For 2017, Madeline’s goal is to qualify for the Rotax World Grand Final in Portugal and to place in the top 10 for the KZ2 division. Future goals include more KZ2 races across Europe, and an aspiration to visit the United States for the SKUSA Super Nats in Las Vegas, NV. She aspires to drive karts professionally in Europe eventually, or has considered a move to cars possible one day.

One thing is certain – the Stewart Sisters Racing duo have only just begun their colorful career journeys. We can’t wait to follow their stories and adventures in 2017 and beyond

From all of us here at Horsepower & Heels –

Best of Luck to Stewart Sisters Racing!

Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident

August 1, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Funny Car driver, Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident during the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, is undergoing treatment for a broken pelvis after a trip to the local trauma center.

DeJoria, driver of the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry, was competing in the left lane alongside opponent John Force in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday morning at Sonoma Raceway. The Patrón Toyota Camry lost traction and made a violent turn to the left as soon as DeJoria stepped on the throttle, causing her Camry to make impact with the left retaining wall.

DeJoria exited the vehicle under her own power, but immediately knew something was wrong. Upon a quick evaluation from on-site medical personnel, she was transported via ambulance to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in nearby Napa. After x-rays and a CT scan, doctors diagnosed DeJoria with a high-energy fracture of the left pelvis. The fracture was caused when she struck the wall. The injury does not require immediate surgery, but is extremely painful. DeJoria is in good spirits and was more concerned with the condition of her race car, and if it was ok. She was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, and will start intense physical therapy as soon as possible, determined to get back on the track.

The Patrón Toyota Camry qualified No. 11 with a 3.946 second, 319.45 mph performance before Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident.

DeJoria and the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team were scheduled to compete next at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Washington, but due to injuries sustained, that race is to be determined.

Project Speed: Holbrook and Mueller attempt Land Speed Record

July 27, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Project Speed: Holbrook and Mueller attempt Land Speed Record

Motorsport hot shoe Shea Holbrook will join fifteen USA national Cycling champion Denise Mueller in attempt to be the first woman in cycling history to break the paced bicycle land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Holbrook will pilot the pace car in which Mueller will draft, to bore a hole through the wind at very high speeds. In what they are calling Project Speed, the duo of Holbrook and Mueller will attempt Land Speed Record run this fall.

Project Speed is one woman’s story of athletic empowerment. The spirit of Project Speed began in 1899, when Charles “mile-minute” Murphy paced the world’s fastest train-the Long Island express- to 60 mph on a single speed track bicycle. Newspapers of the day reported “women fainted at the news!” In the 117 years since that feat, the ultimate bicycle speed record has changed hands eleven times, always by men.

That final bastion of male dominance ironically may fall at the hands of one of the most powerful cyclists in the world, who happens to be a woman who has never fainted. Denise Mueller owns fifteen USA Cycling national championships and is gunning for the ultimate paced speed record of 167 mph set nearly 20 years ago by world motor pacing champion Fred Rompelberg of the Netherlands.

To complete the powered by women theme, the Range Rover Sport SVR pace car will be driven by professional driver Shea Holbrook. The 26-year-old is a 6-time Pirelli World Challenge winner and has competed in the International Hot Rod Association driving a jet dragster at 278 mph.

“Denise has unbelievable athletic ability and willpower like none other I’ve seen. From the moment we spoke over the phone there was an unexplainable connection and I knew I wanted to be a part of what will be a historical moment. I’m ecstatic to take on the responsibility of being Denise’s pace car driver. Ultimately, I will drive the car that literally bores a hole through the wind and allows Denise to draft at very high speeds. Something I cannot wait to do,” a thrilled Holbrook said of the opportunity.

Denise Mueller, equally as thrilled to have Shea Holbrook as part of the female team explained Holbrook’s importance to Project Speed.

“Shea fills the gap we were searching for making what I believe, a dynamic duo. Her expertise behind the wheel, ability to engage and fully understand what it will be like for me behind the Hoehn Range Rover and overall charisma fuels us toward achieving this goal,” said Denise Mueller.

Since 1899, motor pacing records have had a long tradition in elite cycling. Fewer than a dozen people have tried, all have been exclusively men that have accomplished the feat. Some attempts have ended in near disaster. Fred Rompelberg set the current paced record of 167 mph behind a modified race car in Bonneville, UT. He nearly died in the attempt, and needed three years to recover after initially crashing on the salt at over 140 mph.

Mueller and Holbrook will be coached by 3-time Olympic racer and cycling Hall of Famer John Howard. Howard set the world record of 152 mph in 1985 at Bonneville. In addition to being Mueller’s coach, he’s also her biggest supporter.

“Denise has extraordinary power, the highest wattage I’ve seen from a female. She is also an amazing bike handler, having made the podium at the worlds in downhill mountain bike racing,” Howard said of his athlete.

The goal is to get Mueller to beat her coach John Howard’s record by reaching 153 mph and Fred Rompelberg’s paced record by reaching 168 mph. Passion, precision and persistence will all be required to set Denise up for a wildly successful ride across the salt flats. With a best in class team on her side, Denise and Shea are poised to take the salt by storm in September, 2016.

Follow along as Holbrook and Mueller attempt Land Speed Record and learn more on how to get involved at www.TheProjectSpeed.com and/or www.SheaRacing.com. Project Speed is a special program of Perimeter Bicycling, a nonprofit organization (501c3) 100% of your contributions will go to Project Speed & is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD

July 21, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

She’s grown up all her life around the sport of Drag Racing, born into the very successful Meyer Racing family dynasty, traveling the country in support of multiple championships in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. But now, the twenty-one year-old Spring Hill, KS is ready to embark on the next stage in her racing career. Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD for the upcoming Kansas regional event. Meyer follows her sister, Megan Meyer, the rookie sensation currently sitting No. 2 in the national TAD points series, and her multiple championship veteran father Randy Meyer into the Top Alcohol Dragster Ranks.

Rachel Meyer | Starting Out

Rachel Meyer has grown up immersed in drag racing from birth. Her father, legendary TAD driver Randy Meyer, has been racing competitively for over 30 years. Her earliest memories included Friday and Saturday night family outings at their home track, Kansas City International Dragway.

When Rachel became old enough at age 8, she was given the opportunity to enter the Junior Dragster program, racing there until she turned 18. She finished in the top ten almost every year in the Junior Dragster program. Her best finish came in 2007, when she finished No. 5 in the KCIR points chase.

“I started in the Jr dragster level running 12.90 seconds at around 45 miles per hour. My dad explained what to do for the most part and I taught myself when the right time to leave the starting line was and how to wheel race.”

At 17 years old, she moved up to a Super Comp. She would drive a 1999 Undercover dragster with a 565 cubic inch, Stinnett built motor. There, she finished a best of No. 18 in the overall Division 5 points chase in 2014, and won her first Super Pro race in 2015 at MoKan.

“As soon as I turned 16, I knew I was ready to go faster. The rush of going 170 mph in 7.90 seconds is amazing and I am ready to go even faster.”

The young go-getter is ready to take the next step, adding that she is proud of the progress that she has made and looks forward to surprising more fans and competitors whom she adds are “shocked that I drive the cars especially because of how fast they go.”

“One time, at Topeka divisional my fist year racing the super comp, when I went to suit up, the guy I was racing just looked at me and chuckled then got in his car, but I ended up beating him anyways.”

Rachel Meyer Moves Up to TAD

This past weekend, Rachel Meyer made the jump up to her father’s Top Alcohol Dragster entry, making her required licensing passes to earn her NHRA competition endorsement for TAD. The move was a big jump for the busy college student, who in addition to taking summer classes also works full time. She had made two preliminary test passes two years ago, but a full schedule prevented her from completing the required testing until now.

“We have tried all year for me to get my license, and most of the nationals we went to this year did not test on Monday after the race, so this was the first and only chance we had for me to test all year.”

For Rachel to be eligible to complete in the upcoming event for the LODRS Regional series at Heartland Park Topeka, Meyer would have to first satisfy all of the NHRA licensing requirements in her father’s A/Fuel dragster. But Meyer took the added pressure in stride, completing 3 half-track passes on Friday, and one 1000ft pass Saturday, followed by 2 full-track runs. Her best time was 5.60 at 260 mph, the second best run was a 5.80.

“My first time in the TAD, I was scared to hit the gas honestly. I did not know how the G’s would feel pushing me back in my seat. The first half track pass, I wanted to go the full track, but I started to get ‘time zoned’ (a type of tunnel vision drivers experience at times), so I did not have full control of the car and lifted. When I finally made my first full pass, it was a thrill. Everything was just a blur going down the track but it felt so fast and was so much fun. It truly is an addiction that I don’t think I will ever get over. I just wanted to keep getting in the car and making passes.”

With both her veteran father in her corner, as well as her sister, who can relate to the recent switch herself as a rookie in the class, Rachel has great support behind her move to TAD.

“I relate better to my dad when I have questions about stuff. We are practically the same person and have the same interests. I look up to him so much and learn all of my training from him, so when ever I have questions, he is the first person I go to.”

With her licensing runs completed, Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD for her debut at the LODRS Central Regional event July 30-31 at Heartland Park Topeka. She will be driving her father’s A/Fuel dragster in attempts to qualify for the field, joining her sister Megan, who last year made it to the semi-finals at the event.

Rachel Meyer | Behind the Wrench

She knew after her first pass way back in the Juniors, that drag racing was not only in her blood, but would become her passion. But it wasn’t just driving that captured Rachel’s attention – her interest was sparked behind the wrenches between races from a young age as well.

“Watching people work on my dad’s dragster, I had always found it interesting and had wanted to learn how to work on it. I went outside one night when my dad was working on his car and asked if he could teach me what he was doing, ever since I have loved helping work on his motors.”

Rachel spent countless hours in the shop with her father. He taught her the basics, and mentored her both on driving and working on the car. The hands-on experience would lead her to become versatile between rounds. Rachel fills in on duties where ever needed, from working on the engine, changing the clutch, helping her father with tuning, or packing the parachutes.

“When I am working on stuff (on the car), guys like to jump in and do my job because they think I can’t handle it or because they don’t trust me and it gets annoying. If my dad trusts me enough to work on his stuff, then other people should back off and let me do my thing.”

Adding to the hands-on knowledge taught to her by her father, Rachel also attends Pittsburg State University. She is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis in design while minoring in Business Administration. Being a woman in a male dominated field (Engineering) can be challenging at times for Meyer, who says that “most people think you are a joke until you prove or show them that you are serious about this and you can handle it.” But 13 years of experience along side a multi-championship winning team, and her own driving prowess navigating the male-dominated world of Drag Racing makes her well-adapted to the challenge. She isn’t scared to get in and get dirty, turning wrenches and being hands-on with the racecars, believing it also helps her ultimately become a better driver.

“It has helped me learn about the car and why it might react the way it does sometimes and it will help prepare me as a driver, because if I feel something happen as I’m driving down the track, I will have a better understanding of what happened or why it happened.”

Rachel Meyer | The Future

Rachel plans on completing a full season in the Top Alcohol Dragster class next season, along side her sister Megan. The two sisters hope to take the class by storm, keeping up with the winning family legacy in TAD. But what kind of family rivalry does that create between the two young guns?

“Megan and I have been racing each other since we raced Juniors. We are used to friendly competition and I love getting the chance to race her, no feelings are ever hurt during the race. It is just fun to go out and race your friends or family and just have a good time, whether you win or lose.”

Eventually, Rachel hopes to combine her passion for driving and the experience she has working on the car, to become a utility driver – a double threat capable of wrenching and wheeling the car.

“My future plans include me hopefully tuning my own TAD and driving it. If it gets too much to handle with tuning and driving, then I would want my sister to drive the car while I tune it. For a life-long goal, I would love if I could become a crew chief from a top fuel team or drive a top fuel dragster, or possibly do both.”

For now, Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD filled with excitement and optimism for a bright future ahead. She admits that the toughest part of the entire process has been finding time to fit in all she wants to have accomplished.

“I have had to take a lot of time out of my schedule to make time for racing and doing car displays to get my name out there. Also, I have spent endless hours out in our shop getting the cars ready and putting the motors together.”

But those sacrifices will all be worth it come Thursday TAD debut at Heartland Park Topeka. The Meyers Sisters can be found in action at the Central Regional race with 1 qualifying run Thursday, 2 scheduled Friday, and all eliminations held Saturday.

From all of us here at Horsepower & Heels, we wish the best of luck to Rachel Meyer on what is sure to be the beginning of an exciting career in TAD!