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Celebrating, promoting and supporting female racers and women in motorsports

  • Home
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You are here: Home / Archives for Featured

Featured

‘Speed Sisters’ USA premiere at DOC NYC

November 6, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The documentary film ‘Speed Sisters‘ follows the first all-woman race car driving team in the Middle East.  Embracing racing and turning heads in at improvised tracks across the West Bank, these five women have sped their way into the heart of the gritty, male-dominated Palestinian street car-racing scene. Weaving together their lives on and off the track, SPEED SISTERS takes you on a surprising journey into the drive to go further and faster than anyone thought you could.

Speed Sisters Film

For the first time in the US, viewers will get to experience the ‘Speed Sisters’ film as part of the DOC NYC Documentary Film Festival.   DOC NYC is the largest American documentary film festival and voted by MovieMaker magazine as one of the “top five coolest documentary film festivals in the world”.

‘Speed Sisters’ US Premiere at DOC NYC

Date:  November 12, 2015    2:00PM
Location:  SVA Theater, School of Visual Arts
Tickets:   $17/Adults; $15 Children/Seniors
Reservations/More Information: DOC NYC ‘Speed Sisters’

 

Watch the ‘Speed Sisters’ Trailer

Category: Featured, Women in Racing NewsTag: Street Racing, Women Racing

Fast Women Friday #3 SEMA Edition

November 6, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Another Fast Women Friday!   This week is the SEMA Special Edition, so I’m sure there’s tons of cool new things to share!

Last week was a slow week, but we heard from a few new women for Fast Women Friday #2.

  1. Kelly Morris RacingKelly Morris stopped by to share her Kelly Morris Racing page.  Kelly is building her own drag racing ride, and helps her dad in his shop working on and building cars for drag racing competition.  Kelly has big dreams to pursue in racing, and she’s just getting started on her journey.  Stop by and check her out on her Facebook page, and stick around to stay tuned into her career progression.
  2. Feel the Horsepower Chocolate BarsGina Woods returned to share her Feel the Horsepower Chocolate Bar project.    Tired of the same terrible food choices that typically represent the average track/bike rally events, Gina wanted to create something she could take with her on the go for a healthier, tastier option.   These new healthy chocolate bars are not only delicious, but a great nourishing option for the horsepower-fueled lives of those constantly on-the-go and living life in the fast lane.
  3. Flyin Faith from WA11 year-old Flyin’ Faith, a racer from Washington, stopped in to share her website with us.   Faith has already been racing for 6 years, and is doing a great job!   She was named rookie of the year this season in the bandit division of the Bandolero’s at Spartan Speedway, finishing 3rd in points and attending every race.

Fast Women Friday: SEMA edition

Fast Women FridayThis Fast Women Friday Link Party  is hosted to feature more amazing content and resources that help and highlight female racers, women working in motorsports, and any of the ladies in the automotive/gearhead spaces.

This week, the SEMA show is dominating headlines in auto and motorsports worlds, we can’t wait to see what everyone is raving about!    Got something interesting to share?   This is a great way to mingle and discover others around the net who are just as passionate about Women in Motorsports!    Join up below!

How this works

  1. The party will be open through next Tuesday evening to share your posts and other content related to or helpful for Women in Motorsports or Automotive.
  2. Each week, we’ll feature the most popular finds from the party scene + share them to our social circles. Sharing is caring, it’s how we all grow!
  3. To enter your posts, just click the You’re Next link below (under the party posts).   They will automatically update onto the party space.   You can share your race news posts, your personal pages, or anything that relates to women in automotive.
  4. Be sure to visit other party goers blogs and comment – mingle with the party attendees!   Fast Women Friday is about connecting and interacting with others!
  5. I’d love for you to give a little share love to this party post and invite your friends!   Feel free to use the graphic above and link back to this post.
  6. HAVE FUN!

Fast Women Friday SEMA Edition Party Posts



Category: Featured, Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Gina Woods, Kelly Morris, Women Racing

Why Drag Racing leads in Gender Equality

November 4, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Women of Drag Racing
Women of Drag Racing presentation at the NHRA SEMA breakfast. Photo: NHRA

In the motorsports world, drag racing often is regarded as that weird cousin of the motorsport family – the less polished, not as well known, and often forgotten form of the sport that so many just dismiss with a pat on the head to some of the more “regal” motorsport varieties in F1, Indycar, NASCAR, etc.    I mean, to them, we just point the car and hit the pedal… what could we possibly contribute to the motorsport fold that our flashier and larger counterparts don’t?

Gender Equality =  NHRA does it RIGHT.

Not only is that stereotype largely untrue, and definitively insulting, but it also prevents the other forms of motorsports from learning a much needed lesson that only NHRA and Drag Racing currently is apt to teach – Gender Equality in Motorsports.

In a day where Indycar has seen only one female winner in Danica, where NASCAR still awaits a winner with very few even able to compete on their prize stage, and in Formula 1 where women still can’t even get past the fight to compete in a race, NHRA and drag racing has proven the most successful in creating a Gender Equal landscape in the sport.

They have created a racing environment not only where it is comfortable and accepted for women to compete, but where they win, and win BIG.  Where the topic of being a female is an afterthought and not a question for pre-qualification.   Where diversity programs and special development efforts aren’t needed or necessary because they all fit in without preconceived bias and judgement.   Drag Racing could stand to teach the entire Motorsports world a thing or two about diversity.

NHRA’s Welcoming Open Access is Key

I have been very fortunately, not only to have had a front-row seat to watch more and more women and girls getting involved in the sport in all aspects- from drivers, crew members, owners and industry professionals, but to have also had the opportunity and access to throw my own hat in the ring and compete myself.   To some, that could label me biased, but instead I think it makes me qualified to voice my opinion:   I truly believe that the open and welcoming access NHRA and Drag Racing provides to the sport is the key to why it has achieved the most success in gender equality.

It wasn’t always this way.   Shirley Muldowney led the battle in the trenches in the 1970’s for all women in racing.   She fought for and secured not only acceptance, but went on to change the face of Drag Racing by winning races and championships at the pinnacle of the sport.

Countless others followed in all of the classes…. Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle.   They continued to break the molds and earn the victories and stood beside men on the stage of success.    The more who came and conquered, the easier the road became to travel.    Although you still hear people stuck in the old-rooted sexist mentality that try and discredit the success of the women by labeling them a by-product of who their family is or who they were romantically involved with, the key has been an organization that chose to embrace women and give them the equal billing they deserved, eliminating many of the roadblocks placed in other forms of motorsports.   And with an organization embracing this culture from the top down, it wasn’t long for teams, sponsors and fans to all follow suit.

100+ wins for Women

Last year, the NHRA celebrated the 100th national event professional win by a woman.    One-Hundred.  Not first, not qualified, not made the starting grid.   Courtney Force earned the 100th WIN on the national stage in a professional class comprised of both men AND women.   This weekend, Erica Enders secured her second World Championship in Pro Stock – in dominant fashion, becoming one of many who have also earned this distinction at the top of the sport.      Look down the ladder and you see hundreds of girls and women competing and WINNING in everything from Pro Mod, Alcohol, Comp and down to the the Junior ranks.

And although there will always be roadblocks challenging age-old gender bias for women, drag racing has shown to be the most progressive and evolved of all the forms of motorsports.

Bob Frey put it best at the Women of NHRA Breakfast presentation during the SEMA Show:

From Leah Pritchett – who had won a Nostalgia Funny Car championship in the NHRA Heritage Series, with wins in everything from Jr. Dragster to Pro Mod, and competes in Top Fuel;  Courtney Force – Rookie of the Year recipient, multiple Funny Car winner, and tireless ambassador to the sport;   Alexis DeJoria – Mom, multi-class champion, and all-around badass;   Erica Enders- lethal weapon on the tree, two-time class championship, and prolific Pro Stock winner;  To the one who arguably paved the way for them all, Shirley Muldowney…  the list of accomplishment that these and all the other women in drag racing have achieved is pretty darn remarkable.

but as he best summarized it in closing… “and then you have Danica, who has won ONE race.”  

Touchee, Bob.    Not to disrespect or discredit the hard work that all of women who pioneer the motorsports world put in, but maybe it is time that these other organizations stop and listen to Drag Racing and effect change at the organizational level to make ALL genres more gender-equal.

Category: Featured, Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Drag Racing, NHRA, Women Racing

My Top 5 Driving Songs

October 28, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

My Top 5 Driving SongsWhether it’s the soundtrack that inspires a long road trip to clear the mind, an adrenaline spiked song that sets up each trip down the track, a song out with the girls or one sitting beside your sweetheart, driving songs can meet every mood.   Here’s my top 5 driving songs for different gears:

Clearing my Mind/Cruising:  Top Gun Anthem

If I could choose only one song to be my favorite, this would be it.  My total geekdom for Top Gun aside, there is absolutely nothing like dropping the windows on the the Mustang and hitting play + repeat on this classic.    When I really need to clear my mind and just BE, I’ll silence my phone and hit the road to the sound of Steve Stevens’ unforgettable electric guitar solo.

For Race Day:  Tiësto  Silence – Delerium featuring Sarah McLachlan

I think everyone is a little different when it comes to what they need to get pumped up (or focused) on race day.   For me, preparing in the staging lanes for a run, I liked to start out by calming my nerves and tuning out the world to focus on the round ahead of me, but as we neared the starting line, that would gradually reach a crescendo right up to the point where the tree drops and I’m flying down the track.    This song embodies both of those components for me, with the contradiction between the increasing intensity of the beat and Sarah’s soothing voice.   The biggest part though for me is the break in the song (skip to 4:38) which begins the intense build-up that brings me chills that parallel what I feel going through the burnout, staging, and then the drop of the tree and racing down the track until parachute deploy.

Out for a Ride:  KCamp 1Hunnid


Nothing beats rolling out on the Harley with Bayside Militia for a chill cruise through town, listening to KCamp’s 1Hunnid bumping from one of the baggers.  Whether rolling to a show or just around the bay, everyone has their own style in the group, but all appreciate the urban riding culture.

Girl Power Anthem:  Pink  So What

When it comes to road-tripping with my favorite gal pals and pumping each other up, Pink is *THE* go-to songstress for unapologetic badassery.   After a few verses of So What, me and my gal pals are ready to take on anything!

Ridin Shotgun with the Soulmate:   Tim McGraw Shotgun Rider


It’s been awhile since I’ve even listened to country music, but when I heard this beautiful song, it instantly made me smile.  What a perfect song for crusin’ with the soulmate!  Roll, won’t you come roll with me slow, fast, full speed…

What are YOUR favorite Driving Songs?

Tell us your favorite driving tunes and why they MOVE YOU.       Share them in the comments below!

Category: Featured, Horsepower & Heels Blog

Women’s Helmet Review

October 8, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

We all know that when it comes to protective safety wear, being in a male-dominated sport can have its disadvantages as a woman.   These items are typically designed for men, and there isn’t much information out there on how each of them actually fit and function for women.    After the success of our Women’s Fire Suit Review, we decided to continue the series onto the next critical component common to racers:   Women’s Helmet Review.

We again reached out to our network of fellow female racers and women in motorsports for their feedback on Women’s Racing Helmets.   Each woman provided her input on their helmet’s weight, comfort, quality, and overall satisfaction on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being completely dissatisfied and 5 being completely satisfied.

Bell

Renee-Dupuis-helmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  Renee Dupuis |  NASCAR Modifieds Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Renee’s Comments:  “Fabulous helmet – Bell fits me better than other brands, so I’ve used them exclusively for years.”


Sara-Price-HelmetHelmet:  Bell Moto 9 | DOT   Snell M2015

Reviewed by:  Sara Price |  Professional Motocross Supercross Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Sara’s Comments: “Bell having a long track record with safety on their product, I would never hesitate to choose any of their product! I mainly use the Moto 9 but when I have to use a Auto specific helmet I happily choose the BR1! They are build very well and high end and feel safe with my brain inside one!”


McKenna-Haase-HelmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 Carbon | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  McKenna Haase |  Dirt Sprint Car Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

McKenna’s Comments:  “When I first received my RS7, I felt it was uncomfortable due to the pressure it applied to my forehead. However, I talked to the employees at Bell, and they had me send it back so they could work on it. Within two days, they had reshaped my helmet perfectly and it has fit great ever since. I recently flipped my sprint car violently five times end over end and walked away without any brain injury.”


G-Force

Tarra-Springstoh-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Tarra Springstroh | Asphalt Circle track driver

WEIGHT: 4 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Tarra’s Comments: “Love my gforce helmet! Got a new one for 2016 which is the carbon fiber!”


Krista-Elyse-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Krista Elyse | NMRA Drag Racing Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Krista’s Comments:  “This helmet saved me from severe head trauma during my crash this season that totaled my race car. I walked away with a minor concussion instead of something worse, due to smacking my head so hard on the front of the 10 point roll cage. I am extremely satisfied and would purchase the helmet again. Proof that you don’t have to buy an $800 helmet to be sufficiently protected.”


Impact

Sunny-Hobbs-HelmetHelmet:  Impact Super Sport | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Sunny Hobbs | Road/Sport/Stockcar Racer

WEIGHT: 3 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 4 star rating

Sunny’s Comments: “This helmet fits the bill for me. It’s snug and comfortable, and works well with my Hans. The padding around my face is firm which gives it a good fit, but the fabric is still soft and pliable. My peripheral vision is great. The chin strap rings tend to twist sometimes which is cumbersome,but overall it’s a good quality helmet.”


Simpson

Elaine-Larsen-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Carbon Drag Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Elaine Larsen | IHRA Jet Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Elaine’s Comments:  “Simpson is the best when it comes to fitting women in Motor Sports. They go the extra mile to make sure that the fit is perfect as we don’t fit regular sizes. They do this at no extra charge to the customer. I have had extra padding installed in my helmets as my face is thinner than a man and the strap able to be pulled tighter. They make safety and comfort their first priority. They also make sure you look really good wearing their products.”


Janette-Thornley-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Outlaw Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Janette Thornley | Nitro Harley Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Janette’s Comments:  “In motorcycle drag racing, it’s important to have a larger opening to see through above the eyes. This helmet is sufficient to get the job done but another 1/2″ would be even better. The fit is perfect and feels good when wearing it but again, once on the motorcycle and in the stage position, I have to push the chin part of the helmet up some in order to see the staging tree. At that point, the back of the helmet can pinch my ponytail but once the adjustment is complete I’m set and the helmet is not a distraction and I’ve never had an issue.”


CarlyJoEllingson_HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Bandit| Snell SA2015

Reviewed by:  Carly Jo Ellingson | Super Pro Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  4 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Carly Jo’s Comments:  “I love my Simpson Bandit helmet! I feel that it was a very smart choice and I’m happy I made the switch a number of years ago, after making the decision to move up through the ranks of NHRA drag racing! My only complaint would be that after several years of use in the scorching heat of our summer race seasons, I noticed that the padding adhesive was actually seeping through the padding. With that being said, I still recommend the Simpson Bandit to other racers, and I am thankful for its strong build! That helmet saved my life during a rollover accident in 2013, so I will definitely stand by it and represent it as living proof of its excellent quality!


 

Stilo

Cindi Lux HelmetHelmet:  Stilo ST4 GT | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Cindi Lux | Road Racer/Instructor

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Cindi’s Comments:  “I have worn many different types of helmets over my career. This Stilo is one of the best in all areas. Comfort, safety and features.”

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

Category: Books & Reviews, FeaturedTag: Carly Jo Ellingson, Cindi Lux, Guide to Racing, Janette Thornley, Krista Elyse, McKenna Haase, Renee Dupuis, Sara Price, Sunny Hobbs, Tarra Springstroh, Women Racing

SEMA Women’s Events 2015

October 6, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

SEMA Women's EventsGoing to the SEMA show?  Don’t miss these SEMA Women’s Events geared especially for women in the industry!

Gear Up Girl Networking Event – Powered by SBN

For:  SEMA Attendees, WOMEN ONLY
Date:   November 2, 2015 – 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Location:  Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N264

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting their annual Gear Up Girl Networking event for female automotive professionals.  The event began in 2011 as part of the SEMA education student program to connect female students to leading female industry mentors.  This is a great mixer and a relaxed social setting for women in the industry to connect and learn from several different generations of women in the automotive industry.

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees.


 

Women in Business: Shattering the Glass Ceiling – Powered by SBN & TIA

For:  SEMA Attendees, WOMEN ONLY
Date:  November 4, 2015 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Location:  Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N262

A special, female only networking & education event:   This event focuses on insight from a panel of successful women automotive industry leaders on helping to break down the glass ceiling for women in automotive by recognizing the value women bring to the workplace, the impact they make on organizational bottom line, and the contribution to the economy at large.  Industry policy makers and leaders are changing to support women’s engagement in the workforce, and ascension into positions of greater influence, but this on its own is not enough.    Presented by Tire Industry Association President, Freda Pratt-Boyer and Auto Trader Director of Automotive Relations, Michelle Krebs, participants can exchange open dialogue on the qualities it takes to excel in business.

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees.


 

Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce, Powered by SBN

For: All SEMA Attendees
Date: November 3, 2015 – 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256

To be profitable in a diverse, globalized marketplace, savvy companies are making efforts to look more like the community around them. If you employ only those who identify with a small portion of the market, you just don’t have access to the insights, experiences and worldviews of the full marketplace.

When planning to expand your staff, make an effort to recruit a diverse set of employees to help your company. Learn five best practices for building a diverse workforce.

Presented by: Michelle Krebs, Director of Automotive Relations, Auto Trader

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees.


Communication Roadmap for Men and Women, Powered by SBN

For: All SEMA Attendees
Date: November 2, 2015 – 10:30am – 11:30am
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N254

Wall Street Journal author Joanne Lipman joins the SEMA Show to discuss the demystifying of women in the workplace and sharing advice for the men who work with them.

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees.


Keynote & Coffee: How Expectations Are Changing the Sales Experience for Millennial Women, Powered by SBN

For: All SEMA Attendees
Date: November 4, 2015 – 8:00am – 9:00am
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Bridget Brennan, CEO, Female Factor will deliver a special keynote on the most powerful techniques for reaching Millennial women, the influential generation of consumers who were born between 1980 and 2000.  Brennan will be providing insights on this crucial target audience, who are already the newest generation of mothers. Millennial women are a prime target audience for everything from cars to furniture to financial services. As a generation that’s come of age with social media and technology, what’s the best way to reach them? Brennan explores how the Millennial generation’s unique perception of the world (and themselves) impact brand preferences, marketing responses and choice of sales channel. Attendees will learn the cultural forces that have shaped Millennial women, and how to apply this knowledge to marketing and sales efforts. Topics include:

  • How the mass documentation of Millennials’ lives impacts brand choice
  • What kind of parenting style is already being exhibited by the new generation of mothers, and what this means to consumer purchasing
  • Why inspiration is a crucial component for this age group
  • How expectations for the sales experience are changing

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees.


NHRA SEMA Breakfast – Highlighting Women in Drag Racing

For:  All SEMA Attendees
Date:  November 4, 2015 — 7:30 am – 9:30am
Location:  Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino (formerly the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino), Paradise Events Center South

The 2015 NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will celebrate the success of women in drag racing. The event will bring together some of the most successful women in the sport to share their memories and legacies in the world’s most diverse motorsport.    Drivers Erica Enders, Courtney Force, Alexis DeJoria, Leah Pritchett, and legendary Shirley Muldowney will all participate in the panel, moderated by longtime NHRA announcer Bob Frey.

The event is FREE to registered SEMA Attendees, but an advance ticket is required.   To order your event ticket or register for the show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click Add Event Tickets.

 

Category: Featured, Women in Racing ResourcesTag: SEMA, Women Racing

On the Edge with Dina Parise

September 22, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

DIna Parise, DJ Safety

Former Ice Capades and current IHRA Pro Mod Star Dina Parise sat down on camera for the first Horsepower & Heels VIDEO interview.  She talks about her career, the switch from professional ice figure skater to the world of drag racing, her experience in the racing world, and MUCH more!

One of the most colorful female racers out on the drag racing circuit, Dina Parise is one of our favorites!  She currently is the Crower Pro Mod class points leader in the IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing series.

Learn about Dina and her beautiful 3,000 HP 2013 Cadillac CTSV Pro Mod ‘Stella’

 

Category: Driver Features, FeaturedTag: Dina Parise, Drag Racing, IHRA, Women Racing

Write for Horsepower & Heels

September 17, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Thank you for your interest in writing for HorsepowerandHeels.com!

write article submission for horsepowerandheels.com
Write for HorsepowerandHeels.com

We’re always looking for freelance writers that have relevant content for female racers, women in motorsports and other ladies racing content.   We’d love to hear your personal experiences, tips and stories, racing news, strategies and advice.

Do you have a story to share or an editorial idea we haven’t covered? Let us know at horsepowerheels AT gmail DOT com.

Woman of Motorsports Features

Are you a woman participating in the motorsports world and would like to be featured in one of our Motorsports Spotlights?   Here’s what to do:

  • If you are involved in the motorsports world in any fashion, be sure to add yourself to our Women in Motorsports Directory.  (Drivers, Crew Members, Public Relations, Business Owners, Entrepeneurs, etc.)
  • Send us an email to let us know you’d like to be featured with some background information about yourself, and we’ll send over some interview questions for you to answer.
  • Gather some original photographs (be sure to obtain permission to post!) to submit with your interview.

Guest Posts/Blogs | Article Submissions

  • Overview: Horsepower & Heels is dedicated to supporting women involved in the motorsports and automotive industry.    Read other Horsepower & Heels posts to get a feel for what we are about. We always welcome input that shares the successes of women in the sport, tips and advice to help ladies in the motorsports world, and other informative, relaxed content that would be enjoyed by Horsepower & Heels readers.

  • Topics:  Prior to submitting your article, search our site (top right) to make sure we haven’t already covered the topic you’re pitching.

  • Post length:  Aim for 900-1,000 words. Write in a relaxed, blog-friendly style that’s fun to read.

  • Expert Help:  We’d love your expert opinion.    Do you have information that could help women in the motorsports field?   Share your experience and advice with focus on. How will your post help readers grow, promote themselves, and achieve their goals? Share detailed instructions to help someone else use your expert advice to succeed.

  • Resources:  Links are encouraged, to support what you’re writing about.  Bonus if they relate back to another post on Horsepower & Heels.

  • Author Biography:  Please also submit a brief, two-sentence bio at the bottom of your post.   Let us know some interesting information about yourself and your experience. Add link to your website, blog or social media profile so readers can find you.

  • Submission:   We prefer your article be submitted via editable Google Doc to horsepowerheels AT gmail.com  (Google Drive Share Instructions).

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics can I write about?
We are all about covering the successes of women in the motorsports industry, and helping them with resources geared to advancing their causes. We love to hear unique stories about women in the industry, tips and suggestions on how they can improve professionally and personally, and fun anecdotes from the field.    Some of our most popular posts are:

  • Racing after Motherhood
  • Firestone Racing’s Cara Adams
  • Sex sells, or does it? Courtney Force controversy examined.
  • Flashback: 2Fast, 2Funny
  • A Fresh Perspective

Paid Assignments?
Currently, article submissions for paid assignments are only accepted when pre-arranged with our editor.   We do include your bio and links to your website/social sites with your article to direct traffic back to your site.   We also promote each article through all of our social networks for added exposure, and invite you to connect with readers in the comments.  (Paid writers do not get a link in their bio.)

Are posts edited?
We do limited editing for grammar, content and clarity, but try our best to preserve your original work as submitted.

Accompanying photos?
We would love to include your original photos, with use permission from the photographer.  Submit via Google Drive with your article submission.

We look forward to reading your article submissions!

Category: Featured, UncategorizedTag: Horsepower & Heels, Women Racing

Catching up with Aerospace Component’s Kim Kussy

August 3, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Kim Kussy A biology and business degree graduate, pilot and racer who continues excelling to new heights as President and Chief Marketing and Finance Officer of racing industry staple Aerospace Components, the sky is the limit for Kim Kussy.

The daughter of a large family (she has 4 brothers and 2 sisters) raised in the Motor City, Kim Kussy has always loved the automotive industry.  The influence of her brothers and Dearborn, Michigan hometown would be evident in all aspects of her life.  She met her husband Al there, who himself grew up racing at local Milan Dragway.  As the two started their family and moved down to Florida, that love blossomed into a fast-paced life together.

Kim, who graduated from Tampa College with a degree in Biology/Medical Technologist studies and Saint Petersburg College with her degree in Business, had been working in the medical field as a medical technologist for almost 10 years when her and husband Al decided to incorporate Aerospace Components.  Initially, the business was centered around the Department of Defense, machining parts and components for defense systems, guidance systems, and the International Space Station.

Aerospace's Kim and Al KussyThe two spent several years growing the business part time, while still continuing with their full time employers.  Within a few years, the duo found themselves tied-in with the drag racing industry, manufacturing components for racers.   This allowed them to be fully involved in the sport, building the first of many racecars to develop components they created.    It was this first build that would really inspire in Kim the passion for racing, and as the business grew, that love would involve the entire family.

When Al was building his first car at Aerospace, I caught the racing bug too. Having started himself racing at age 16, he taught me how to drive the race car.  It seem like a natural passion since we owned the company that manufacture the racing parts .  Just about all of our employees race so we basically lived at the local tracks in the first 15 years of business.”

Aerospace RacingTaking those years of knowledge and experience, Kim was able to apply them to building a dragster with her daughters Breanna and Bethany, passing on this experience during their high school years as a family project.

I wanted them to know what we made and did for a living. Both girls got in the dragster and did some burn outs.”

Aerospace Components Excellence in EngineeringKim has raced the dragster herself at local tracks in the region, adding that the entire Aerospace family has been a staple in the local racing scene for over 15 years.    They have owned dozens of racecars, and are now involved in the national racing scene, sponsoring the NHRA Wally program, with the special Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award.  The award, voted on by NHRA’s Technical Department, is given at 12 NHRA Nationals events to individuals or teams demonstrating a unique edge in craftsmanship or technology.    They are major sponsors for the National Mustang Racing Association (NMRA) and the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) with the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle sponsorships and contingency programs.

Aerospace Components is approaching nearly 30 years in business, with no signs of slowing.   The process has been a rewarding one for Kussy, who loves the people she gets the opportunity to work with in the industry.  The road wasn’t always an easy one — the couple started the business at a young age, and have worked hard to build and grow over the years with a group of loyal and hard-working employees that share in the passion.  For Kim, the added struggle of proving herself as an intelligent business woman in a male-dominated industry and not just the stereotyped friendly, pretty face were ongoing in the formative years.    She credits hard work and tenacity for her success in overcoming these obstacles and mounting a successful career that defies the stereotypes.

Both industries that I am involved in are basically a men’s world — racing and aviation. Many of people don’t believe women can race or fly or run companies as the entrepreneur, sometimes women are still being stereotyped in certain areas. But I believe as a woman, if you are competent at what you do that intelligence and passion shows forth. Now that I have been in the industry for 28 years, I believe men and women respect me for how hard I work, for who I am and what I have contributed to both industries.”

General Aviator Kim KussyWith her duties at Aerospace and at the racetrack taking her all across the country, Kim does a fair amount of traveling.    But she doesn’t leave this up to commercial airlines.  Kim and Al also own their own aircraft, and Kim earned her private/instrument pilot’s license in 2000.   She is one of an elite group of women – only 6% of general aviators in the United States are women, and intends to advance her ratings as time permits.

I am very privileged and honored to be able to be among these women. It takes, a passion for flight, intelligence, courage, time and money to fly and own planes.”

With so many accomplishments to her name, it’s hard to imagine Kim having much downtime.  Yet she still finds time to support charity organizations in her community such as Women of Compassion (a non-profit that assists orphans in the state of Florida) and Shepard’s Village, a Christian organization dedicated to supporting single mothers.

I’ve been so blessed by God with my life with all that I am able to accomplish that I want to give back and help encourage the children and single moms that they can make it. I did it with God’s help and love of other who invested in my life!  …I was raised in a single parent home after 11 years old. My father died of cancer when I was in 6th grade. so my mom raised the 3  youngest by herself. I know how these kids feel in single parent homes, love and support of family and friends really matters.”

Kussy FamilyKim shared that mastering the balance between her full plate of duties for Aerospace, home life with family and raising her children, along with all of the other ventures she has pursued has been the most instrumental to her success.

DREAM BIG and don’t give up! The beginning years are some of the hardest, especially if you are married and or raising children.  Work hard and Play Hard!  Take time to rest and enjoy family and friends. Surround yourself with others you can trust, those who love you and who will encourage you during the hard times. Set goals, short term for your racing career as well as long term. Don’t be afraid to seek wise counsel from a few key leaders you trust in your industry who have walked the path you’ve walked. Attend conferences, read alot and never stop learning on how to grow stronger in your racing career.”

Kim continues to set new goals for herself and the business, whether its researching new product development, learning new marketing strategies to reach, connect and communicate with customers, or hitting the dragstrip for some racing competition.    Her latest project, Kimmy’s Garage, features educational videos on Aerospace products and installations.

AerospaceComponents-logo

Whether in the skies, at a race track near you, or in the office growing Aerospace Components, one thing is sure, the sky is hardly the limit for Kim Kussy.

Category: Featured, Featured ProfessionalTag: Kim Kussy, NHRA, NMCA, NMRA, Women Racing

Racing after Motherhood

July 10, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

There is one saying in life that couldn’t be any more profoundly true:  Life changes after Parenthood.

A thousand people will tell you this leading up to the birth of your first, but there is no way to prepare yourself for just HOW much better life is as a parent.   It’s as if there is a magical switch that is forever flipped the instant you hold that new life in your arms.  Nothing else remotely compares…. something 20-something racing me- who lived life just a quarter-mile at a time could never have fathomed.

Erica Ortiz and Beni ZI always knew I wanted my own family.  It was something I had figured would happen after I had accomplished what I set out to do in the racing world, pausing my career long enough to put a play-pen in a toterhome someday and live out the racing family lifestyle.   But life never goes as planned, and I nearly lost all of that with some health issues during the onset of the recession, around the time that the racing project also came to a screeching halt.

By grace of God, I was able to overcome all of that, and was blessed with a beautiful son in January 2013.   The past two and a half years have been some of the most amazing and rewarding of my life, watching him grow and prosper.   The most intrinsic of virtues, the maternal instinct, is a powerful force that completely changes your entire life, your thought process, and your entire being.    My son is the center of my universe, and the most important thing on the planet to me.

But somewhere buried deep, beyond the dirty diapers, the first words (it was Dah-Dah, darn it) the first steps and all of the memories I will cherish forever, a part of my heart was in there wondering where the rest of me disappeared to, and longed to row through some gears and pull that chute lever again.   I felt conflicted, guilty and ashamed.   Because suddenly  MOM-Erica had completely replaced cool Racing/Driven/Adventurous Erica without a trace, and despite the joy my son brings me, I felt the void where that a part of me was lost.

Then, I read an article on CNN written by another mother that suddenly made me aware of what I was going through inside.   The piece was titled “I am more than a Mom”, and it was an honest and candid confession of some of the very feelings that I was experiencing, only for me they were about racing.

Racing after Motherhood: Racing Mom

Before my son arrived, racing after motherhood wasn’t a question of IF, it was a matter of WHEN.  I naively believed that life could carry on much as it was; only there would be an awesome future crew chief around to train and share my racing love with.   I envisioned my son being the future generation of my own racing dynasty, and I was eager for him to be proud of his way-fast racing Mama.    I never really understood why racing mom’s would disappear suddenly- and sometimes completely- from the driver’s seat after childbirth.    Of course, until that fateful day.

Once he arrived, I realized that my racing family dream was much easier in theory than my no-sleep having, 8-weeks recovery to walk, clueless new-motherhood self would have imagined.  During those first few months, I had a hard time thinking about what day of the week it was, much less the depth of the dish on the pistons I needed to order for the racecar.     Really, the first year and half were:  ‘What Racecar?’

But, eventually that part of my heart that stayed lost in the shadows would begin to rev its little engine again.   At first, it was just a short blip of the throttle.   But by the time my son was getting old enough to start really taking an interest in cars (he could point out a Mustang on any road before he was two- and often by just the exhaust sound) that revving had become more of a sustained redline BRAP- sitting on the limiter waiting to launch.

But You’re a MOM Now

Beni Z first nitro
Beni Z’s first Nitro!

I will never forget the first time I mentioned to family that I wanted to start putting the Horsepower & Heels Racecar back together.   They looked at me with shock and a bit of disgust, telling me “But Erica, you are a MOM now.  What about Beni?”   I instantly felt very ashamed.   I love my son more than anything, but I felt like I shouldn’t have to abandon everything about who I was in order to be his Mom.   I know a lot of people will think it’s selfish, but after reading that article and really thinking about it, I want my son to know his fearless, strong and capable Racing Mom.

I know that racing is dangerous.  Believe me, before my son, I would have driven ANYTHING- on fire, sideways, and at 300+mph if you’d let me.    The very difficult realization you have when another life depends on you for their survival, is that the danger becomes very real.    Suddenly, the thought of jumping into a 230+mph Pro Mod has some difficult depth to it- if something were to happen, it’s not just me I’m hurting.

And just like that I understood… I finally saw the reasoning, whether spoken or not, why some women disappeared from the racing world after motherhood.   In all that I do to advocate Women in Racing, one subject I never could predict would be how differently parenthood affects women.   It’s a subject that I’ve just started to scratch the surface on recently (ladies, send me your comments!).   I’ve watched with interest how it affects women in our sport, and the impact to their careers.   Ashley Force, at the height of her career, announced her pregnancy and has remained semi-retired since.   Other ladies seem to balance their motherly duties and racing with no issues.   NHRA Funny Car driver, Alexis DeJoria, summed it up well:

There are a lot of female racers out there that are moms. Shirley was a mom when she started; Shelly Payne has kids, and she raced for a long time. I think it really depends on the team you’re with and the lifestyle you live. The Kalitta organization is very welcoming. They all have kids and I felt really comfortable bringing my daughter over. As long as you can find the balance, it’s not an issue. When you’re home, you’re with your children, and when you’re at the track it’s all about racing and focusing on getting down the track safely and successfully. It’s not easy, but as long as you can find that balance, it’s definitely doable.”

More than Just a Mom

All of this led me to question the core of the issue mentioned in the article.   For women, parenthood changes their priorities, their presence in the workforce, their identity.     A book I read discussed in depth about how women’s paths in the corporate world are often dictated by their choices in procreation, and how much futher behind in the corporate ladder a mother lags behind her non-child bearing coworkers or more simply- her male counterparts.

This led me to think about my racing counterparts.   Many of my racing competitors are fathers as well.   But when their children are born, does the same guilt and shame get assigned for wanting to continue in their passions?  I am sure they too view racing a little differently once they first hold their offspring in their arms, but where is the judgement for their decisions?

I weighed heavily on the pros and cons of returning to racing.   Tears would come to my eyes thinking of my son’s life if anything were to happen to me.   But then, this EXACT feeling would surface when crossing the Sunshine Skyway bridge in the rain, or in a close-call while riding my bike, and I realized, I can’t predict or protect him from LIFE happening.

Post-Partum Racing Mom

If anything, racing for me post-partum has been a more mature, more deliberate approach.  My reckless youth aside, I am much more mindful of the balance of life now more than ever.   Where I would cast aside so much of life to pursue racing before- at all costs, I understand now the value and importance of family first, and feel more grounded and steady than ever before.   It’s a slower process, but it is also one that is safer, more humbled, and definitely more appreciated than before.

Although the days of me taking that one-way ticket, on-fire, sideways and at over 300+mph are over, there is much to be said for the new me: a Multi-tasking, patient, deliberate, able to go through 26 hours of labor, compassionate, protective, FIERCE RACING MOM.

Beni's HarleyMy son asked just a few weeks after his second birthday if he could have a racecar of his own.   When I announced my return, he can spot his Mama’s racecar rendering online.   He races die-cast Mustangs all across the living room.   He rides a strider Harley Davidson just like his Mama and Daddy.   The apple doesn’t ever fall far from the tree.   Proof positive, you can leave the racing, but the racing never really leaves YOU.   It’s in your blood, and in your heart, (and apparently in the genes now).   I’m just picking up where I left off, and preparing for the day when it’s HIS turn to show Mom what he’s learned.

To all my racing parents, past and present competitors…. how has parenthood changed YOU?    Let’s hear it below in the comments!

Category: Featured, Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Erica Ortiz, Guide to Racing, Horsepower & Heels, Women Racing

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