Women in Racing News - Horsepower & Heels

News about female racers, women in the pits and other news stories from the motorsports and automotive world.

Shirley Muldowney resigns from B.R.A.K.E.S.

December 2, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney recently announced her resignation from the Board of Directors at B.R.A.K.E.S., a North Carolina-based charity that promotes safe driving among teenagers. The four-time world champion moved to the Charlotte area from her longtime home in Michigan to assist with the foundation, formed by fellow Top Fuel drag racer. Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons.

“An opportunity has come up with another entity that will be a really wonderful deal for me personally, so I have resigned from B.R.A.K.E.S. effective immediately,” Muldowney said.

Shirley, who also was linked to a proposed Streamliner Land Speed record attempt project with Doug Herbert, said that her new schedule and 2016 plans will not allow her the time to participate in the program going forward. Though she didn’t elaborate on her 2016 plans, she did announce that she will be present at more NHRA races throughout the season, and will even launch a new Shirley Muldowney apparel line with PiranaZ through her new public relations team at Geiger Media.

I appreciate and cherish the time I had with board members Wanda Miller, Dave Dobson, and Mickey Aberman and I believe in the mission of B.R.A.K.E.S. I’m thrilled about the future, which has many possibilities that I will be at more NHRA races throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my wonderful fans, and the chance to see more of them has me very excited. Stay tuned for more good news coming very soon.”

Janette Thornley Pro Fuel Champion

November 16, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Dream Chaser Racin’s Janette Thornley was able to cinch the 2015 Pro Fuel Championship at the NHRA Harley Davidson Drag Racing Series season finale in Las Vegas. The Statesville, NC resident entered the event trailing points leader Dennis Fisher by 5 points, but the championship was decided in the first round of eliminations, when Thornley advanced and Fisher was eliminated.

Janette Thornley Pro Fuel Champion 2015

Janette Thornley made history as the first woman to win a national Harley Davidson class championship. She finished with 623 points after losing in the final round to former World Champion, Johnny Vickers at the Las Vegas final race. Thornley won 4 national events: Joliet, Sonoma, Seattle and Bristol leading to her winning of the 2015 NHRA Harley Davidson Pro Fuel championship title.

Thornley has not yet announced 2016 racing plans.

Jenna Haddock celebrates rookie season

November 12, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

This weekend’s 51st Annual Auto Club Finals marks the conclusion of the 2015 NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing season. For rookie Top Fuel driver, Jenna Haddock, it marks the end of an amazing first year in the premiere professional class of the sport. As the season comes to a close, Jenna looks back on her season and rates her year as driver of the ‘Boots For Troops’ Top Fuel Dragster in her trademark exuberant and sincere fashion.

“Everyone rates on performance,” explained Haddock, “but there is so much more to take into consideration. As a driver, I didn’t have much experience. I never drove anything in competition. I’m proud that we qualified at eight out of the 11 races we ran. And we did it with only six team members when other teams have 12. We lost our sponsor mid-year so we did it with no money. We did it with friends, family and a lot of hard work and determination. And I’m grateful for everyone that helped. When I rate out first year, I’d say we had a phenomenal year. Without money, our car performed really well and I cannot be sad. I’m proud to say our car is good.”

The Auto Club Road to the Future candidate posted her career-best of 3.850 sec. at 311.63 mph in her first-round match-up against Antron Brown at the previous race in Las Vegas. Though she couldn’t hold off the new 2015 Top Fuel Champion for the win, she was still thrilled at her performance.

“In qualifying in Vegas, we kept throwing the blower belt,” Haddock said. “But if you look at our half-track numbers we knew it was going to run. We run used belts. We can’t buy all new ones like most teams. Most of the time our belts have four to five runs on them. We rather buy new crankshafts, pistons and connecting rods. Those things come before blower belts for us. On Sunday morning a bunch of teams brought us their belts with only one run on them, which was so amazing. So for us when that 3.850 came up on the board; Sunday took the cake.”

Haddock’s husband, Terry is a long time Funny Car driver known for competing on a very limited budget and for never giving up. This year, he put his car on the back burner and concentrated on launching his wife’s career.

“I really have to thank Terry for his unending support,” expressed Haddock. “He helped me learn how to drive and he was a great and patient teacher. This year has been all about me, and his car hasn’t gotten much attention. He made sure that everything came much easier to me than it ever did to him. He’s been great about it and I love him for it.”

Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA

November 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA Drag Racing competition to compete in the full season as an independent team owner and driver. Thompson will be riding a Star Racing built Pro Stock Motorcycle in all of the events on the schedule for the PSM class. The team will be led by recently appointed crew chief, Chris Rivas, a former Pro Stock Motorcycle racer with four NHRA event wins and six land speed racing world records of his own.

“Chris Rivas has been successful in drag racing while setting new land speed records. As a crew chief, he will be one of my biggest assets. He understands the difference between quarter-mile and land speed racing, so he can help our team with everything from bike set-up to my riding technique as I transition back to drag racing,” added Thompson.

Valerie Thompson began her motorcycle-racing career in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA), where she finished third in the V-Rod Destroyer class in 2007 and was featured in a Super Bowl commercial with Danica Patrick. She entered several NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events in 2008, with a best elapsed time of 7.05 seconds.

“I have a real passion for land speed racing, but I can’t express how excited I am to return to my ‘racing roots’ with a bike built by George Bryce’s Star Racing team. George and his wife Jackie, operate one of the most successful NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle teams in the history of the sport, so I’m confident we will do well next year,” said Thompson.

Star Racing and owner George Bryce have won six NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championships and collected 80 different NHRA national event wins under their 10 different Star riders. The high performance motorcycle company is also a worldwide mail-order parts business, with engine building, a state-of-the-art machine shop and dyno services.

“I’m delighted to see Valerie returning to drag racing and thankful she chose Star Racing to help her new team. We are also looking forward to working with Chris Rivas again,” said George Bryce, Star Racing owner.

While Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA and is excited for the homecoming, she also plans on continuing the quest for new land speed racing records with her team’s BMW S 1000 RR at select events in 2016 as her schedule permits.

Thompson formed her own land speed racing team in 2012, and has went on to record a personal best top speed of 217 mph at the 2014 Texas Mile. This year, Valerie became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK BMW Motorrad and is now a member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. As a result, she is often referred to as “America’s Queen of Speed.”

The 2016 NHRA schedule includes 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events with the first scheduled for March 17 – 20 at the Gatornationals in Gainesville Florida.

‘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.

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

Danica Patrick fined for retaliation wreck

November 5, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NASCAR star Danica Patrick was assessed a behavioral penalty by NASCAR officials for deliberately wrecking David Gilliland during Sunday’s Martinsville race. The move was apparently retaliation for contact made earlier in the event, when Gilliland pushed the No. 10 car of Danica up into the wall.

Danica later responded by trying to return the gesture, instead spinning and creating a caution, where she waited for Gilliland to come back around before tagging him from behind again, causing extensive damage to both vehicles and ending her race.

The bad blood between the two racers dates back several years, as they have feuded on-track since her debut in 2010. Patrick feels that Gilliland intentionally targets her in the middle of the pack.

NASCAR levied a $50,000 behavioral fine for her actions, also deducting 25 driver points for the violation and placing her on probation until the end of the year. Patrick’s Stewart-Haas team have not filed any appeal on the incident.

F1 Test Driver Susie Wolff Retires

November 4, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Williams F1 test driver and lone female to compete in a F1 Grand Prix event in 20 years, Susie Wolff, announced her retirement from driving at the end of the 2015 season.

Since being appointed as Development Driver for the Williams F1 team in April 2012, Susie has worked hard over the years, moving up the ranks and ultimately leading to her promotion to Official Test Driver in 2015. Her duties as Official Test Driver has played an instrumental role in the development of the FW35, FW36 and FW37. Susie worked through extensive simulator sessions for the team, getting behind the wheel for straight line aerodynamic tests and during numerous on-track test sessions.

This culminated in her driving the FW36 during FP1 at the 2014 British and German Grands Prix, becoming the first female driver to drive in a Grand Prix weekend for two decades.

“I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunity they have given me over the last few years which has allowed me to achieve my dream of driving a Formula 1 car,” Susie said. “It has been great to work with everyone at the team, both at Grove and trackside, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Williams. I am now closing this chapter but looking forward to new challenges in the future.”

The upcoming Race of Champions, held in London’s Olympic Stadium on November 20-21, will mark her last competitive race in a career that she has pursued since she was 8 years old getting her start in karting. Her decision to retire comes from her realization that the pursuit of her dream to become an Formula 1 driver would fall short, and that there wasn’t much room left to continue. Susie spoke to many news organizations that although she believed that women did have a place in Formula 1 and that they were indeed capable of competing at that level – a fact she proved in test practices; there simply wasn’t enough momentum for her to continue the fight. Susie Wolff retires as the lone figurehead for women in F1.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team. Her feedback and knowledge of the car has been an important part our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go. We want to thank her for all her efforts and wish her the very best for her future endeavours. We will of course be supporting both Susie and Felipe at the Race of Champions, and hope Susie has a great weekend to mark the last time we see her race.”

A Step Back for Women in Formula 1?

This announcement certainly feels like a setback for women vying for the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the sport. With Susie being the strongest contender to date with ties to the elusive F1 series, her retirement as a result of the ironclad ceiling that is preventing a female from being on the starting grid is definitely a set-back for the many women hoping for that first break-through role model. Susie said in an interview with the BBC, the problem is two-fold:

“We have two issues – not enough young girls starting in karting at a young age and no clear role model. Sometimes you just have to see it to believe it.”

Although she plans to remove herself completely from the Formula 1 paddock, she does hope that her future endeavors will enable her to give back to women in the sport and help another continue the path to success in F1.

“I dared to be different, I want to inspire others to do the same.”

What do you think about her retirement from racing? What does this do for women in the fight to gain entry into Formula 1?

Dote Racing not returning in 2016

November 3, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

The NHRA Top Fuel Dragster team Dote Racing, just announced that they will not be returning to NHRA competition in 2016. The Ohio-based operation, active in the class since 2009, takes a hiatus from the sport on the heels of a decision by primary sponsor, Gumout, not to renew their sponsorship of the Dote Racing team.

This leaves current driver Leah Pritchett in search of a new ride for 2016. Pritchett joined Dote Racing in 2013, competing the majority of 2014 and 2015 in the NHRA Mello Yello Series with Gumout as primary sponsor.

Pritchett and the Dote Racing team recorded their career best performances this season, hitting a competitive stride with a runner-up finish at the NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, and qualifying second at the NHRA Keystone Nationals in Pennsylvania. Pritchett clocked her career-best elapsed time in the Dote Racing dragster (3.73 seconds) during the NHRA Summernationals at Englishtown, N.J.

Dote Racing has been a family racing legacy for three-generations. Beginning in the mid-80s with Lynn & Sue Dote purchasing a 1951 “Henry J” drag car, the family tradition was continued by their son, Mike Dote, and his wife, Connie.

Mike, Connie and their daughters, Camie and Joanna, began competing weekly. After fulfilling their bracket racing goals and building great family memories, the team decided to take their passion to the ultimate level, Top Fuel.

“Our decision to take a hiatus from the sport comes on the heels of Gumout’s decision to pursue their major marketing efforts in a different direction, outside of the NHRA,” said Mike Dote. “It is very difficult to walk away at this point, but ultimately we do not have the funds in place for a competitive 2016 season. We have made incredible progress on the track, and have Leah, one of the most talented and marketable drivers in the series at our wheel. It has been a tremendous experience for our whole family and the racing team to work with Gumout and the other ITW brands. We are proud to have raced at such a competitive level against some of the biggest and most accomplished names in drag racing. We want to thank everyone with our team, our sponsors, NHRA, Mello Yello and the outstanding NHRA fans.”

Pritchett, a 27-year-old California native, will begin exploring new opportunities for the 2016 Mello Yello Season after impressive performances the past three years in Top Fuel.

“Working with the Dote Racing team has been a great experience for me, and I am beyond thankful to the Dote family for believing in me,” said Leah. “Mike, Connie, Doug (Kuch, crew chief), Rob (Flynn, tuner) and the entire team have been outstanding with me as a newcomer to Top Fuel three years ago. Beyond driving, I believe my responsibilities within Dote Racing have equipped me with an expanded skill set that will enable me to continue success on and off the track. This experience has been invaluable, and I wish them the best in the future. I am pursuing more drag racing opportunities including my continued work with Gumout. I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me in NHRA Mello Yello drag racing competition.”

Courtney Force COPO Camaro

November 3, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Chevrolet unveils Courtney Force COPO Camaro concept at the SEMA

After a major switch for John Force Racing to Chevrolet in 2015, decorated drag racing standout Courtney Force was thrilled to unveil the first ever sixth-gen COPO concept inspired by her NHRA Funny Car.

The ultra-modern styled machine infuses legendary COPO performance with the new, modern design of the 2016 Camaro. The special SEMA edition concept was personalized by Courtney Force herself, and will be auctioned off at Barrett Jackson to benefit the United Way. Limited production of the COPO program returns in 2016, with only 69 available spots to purchase the COPO production units.

The fifth-generation COPO Camaro concept first debuted at SEMA in 2011, where an overwhelming demand spurned a limited, special-edition production run. Its success continued in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 2016 will see 69 additional sixth-gen COPO Camaros headed to the drag strip to carry on the COPO tradition.

To generate excitement for a 2016 COPO Program return, Chevrolet enlisted its newest partner in NHRA driver Courtney Force (a fifth-gen Camaro owner).

“We’re taking the equity that Courtney has in drag racing and bringing that into our COPO series. It’s a very fun and exciting project,” said Todd Parker, Director of Design.

The exterior of this COPO Camaro Concept highlights a Red Hot exterior color, with the familiar John Force Racing Next Gen styling on the rear quarter panel. Red trim accents mirror her signature Traxxas Funny Car livery, a modified SS rear spoiler was redesigned with spill plates inspired by the Funny Car’s massive rear wing, and Goodyear tires were used likening to the slicks on Courtney’s racer.

“This car was a little bit challenging because we’re trying to show the first sixth-generation COPO, but at the same time flavor it with Courtney’s personal preferences,” said Parker. “There was a balance that we needed to achieve and we think that we found it.” It took Courtney several iterations and options before she finally landed on the exterior color. “Her Traxxas funny car has every color under the sun, so to get her flavor took some time,” said Parker. “Plus, the sixth-gen version of COPO looks so dramatic in just about every color.”

Sadly, the Courtney Force COPO Camaro concept is not available for any of the production COPO units.

COURTNEY FORCE COPO CAMARO SPECIFICATIONS

Exterior:

Red Hot exterior with Switchblade Silver and Satin Black graphics
Courtney Force’s signature JFR Racing graphics
Red lower grille trim
High-rise carbon-fiber hood
Outside rear view mirror delete with painted closeout
Wheelie bars and drag parachute
Unique rear spoiler
Custom smoke-finished Weld drag wheels
GoodYear® Eagle drag tires

Interior:

NHRA-certified full chrome-moly roll cage
Lightweight bucket racing seats with custom embroidery
Floor-mounted shifter
Specific instrument panel-mounted analog racing gauges
Center stack mounted racing switch panel
Five-point safety harnesses (driver and front-passenger)

Performance:

LSX-based 350 cu. in. supercharged engine
Available engines: LS-based 427 cu. in. naturally aspirated; LT1-based 6.2L naturally aspirated
THM 400 3-speed automatic
Front suspension: lightweight adjustable front struts
Rear suspension: multilink
- Adjustable coil-over shocks, panhard bar and anti-roll bar.
- Rear axle with an aluminum center section, 35 spline spool and axles
Brakes: manual lightweight rotors and calipers
Integrated line lock
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Fuel storage system with fuel cell and built-in high pressure fuel pump
Dedicated racing wire harness

Source: ChevySema.com

115 free mammograms at NHRA races

November 3, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

The annual ‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ campaign hosted by Alexis DeJoria Racing offered NHRA Drag Racing fans the opportunity to receive a free mammogram at NHRA races, regardless of health insurance status, while attending the AAA NHRA FallNationals in suburban Dallas and the NHRA Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas. 115 women opted to take advantage of the free screenings, held during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Alexis DeJoria Racing goes beyond simply working to raise awareness of the disease, providing a proactive service that could result in lifesaving benefits to female race fans. The 2015 ‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ program was made possible thanks to generous donations from the Patrón Spirits Company, Toyota, Kalitta Motorsports and fan contributions.

After the program experienced two successful years of partnering with Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) to offer free screenings at the NHRA Toyota Nationals, the decision was made to not only renew the Las Vegas program, but to add the AAA NHRA FallNationals as well. Alexis DeJoria Racing partnered with Baylor Health Care Systems to offer free screenings to women attending the Texas Motorplex event.

Baylor and NVHC’s mammovans (mobile mammography units) were parked in the race pits and were available to any female ticketholder over the age of 40 on Friday and Saturday of each race weekend. 56 women elected to undergo a screening in Dallas and another 59 women in Las Vegas received a screening, totaling 115 overall free mammograms at NHRA tracks.

“It was another successful year and I just want to thank everyone at Baylor and the Nevada Health Centers for sending their mammovans to the track, and the wonderful women that volunteered their time working in the mammovans, making everyone feel comfortable. Getting a mammogram can be a little scary at first; it’s just that fear of the unknown. Anytime we can give back like that, it’s a good day. We use our position in the racing community to bring more awareness to these causes and help people out, and thankfully we were able to do that again this year.”

According to Nevada Health Centers, a mammogram for an uninsured woman can cost anywhere between 250-300 dollars, and the high out-of-pocket cost is one of the main reasons many women go without this important test. For the affordable price of an NHRA race ticket, women were able to get checked, and enjoy the races.

“I’m really grateful to have been able to bring our free mammogram program back out again this year to Vegas and introduce it in Dallas. With the support of the Patrón Spirits Company, Toyota, Kalitta Motorsports and all of my great fans that pitched in, we were able to screen 115 women for breast cancer,” said Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Patrón XO Cafe Incendio Toyota Camry, which was ‘pinked out’ during the month of October.