Women in Racing News - Horsepower & Heels

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

Changes for Taylor Ferns at Plymouth Speedway

May 15, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Although it won’t be the first time for Taylor Ferns at Plymouth Speedway, there won’t be much familiarity for 20 year-old sprint car racer entering this weekend’s Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt event. Since her last visit to the Indiana track, it has undergone a conversion from a half-mile paved configuration to three-eighths-of-a-mile dirt format. Her last appearance at the track was at the wheel of a midget three years ago, and returns this weekend aboard the Eco-Mend/Jimmy’s Towing Maxim, a winged sprint car.

Taylor Ferns ready for Plymouth Speedway

Saturday, May 16th begins the action for the Engine Pro Sprints event, presented by ARP. A full racing program is on tap for the winged 360-sprint car series based in Michigan. Taylor’s last 360-sprint car experience came last fall at Waynesfield Raceway Park in Ohio, where she won a heat race and started eighth in the main event. Contact with another car led to a flip on the second lap, which ended her night.

Going from a 410 (sprint car) to a 360 (sprint car), I think easier than going from a 360 to a 410,” explained Ferns. “Everything happens a lot slower in a 360, and it is easier to adapt. A big difference is that they usually draw for starting spots in a 360, so you have to try to pass a lot of cars in order to get a good starting spot in the main event.”

Previous track experience of little value

Ferns’ most recent start at Plymouth in 2012 with the Honda USAC National Midget Series yielded a third-fastest qualifying effort for that event, her best-career qualifying effort with the series. She ran fourth in a heat race, finishing 10th in the main event. During the same season, she also raced with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour.

Prior to that, Ferns competed in a co-sanctioned race with the USAC D1 Midget Series and STARS National Midget Series, finishing 10th in a 40-lap feature, after winning a heat race in 2011. She made her debut at Plymouth in 2009, with the Kenyon Midget Series.

Having been to Plymouth before will help, but that’s probably about the only thing we can take away from our last trip there to this time,” said Ferns. “It’s going to be a completely different experience. We’ve had a tough start to the season, so we are looking to get things turned around at Plymouth.”

Last weekend, Ferns raced at Eldora Speedway in Ohio, which featured both the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series in the “Mother of All Sprint Car Weekends.” Though she would finish ninth in the third heat race and wound up 14th in the B-main during the Friday opener, she encoutnered engine trouble in time trials Saturday that forced her to scratch for the remainder of the race program.

Two weekends ago, Ferns competed at Atomic Speedway in Ohio with the Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association. She finished fourth in the first heat race to transfer to the main event. In the A-Feature, she finished 17th.

We have been trying some different things, so hopefully we can have a good weekend and everything will go smoothly,” said Ferns. “We have had so much going on this year and haven’t been able to catch a break, so a smooth weekend is what we are after.”

Pippa Mann uninjured in Indy practice crash

May 14, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Pippa Mann, one of two women racing to qualify for the 99th Annual Indianapolis 500, suffered minor injuries in a practice crash late afternoon Wednesday. Her #63 Dale Coyne Racing prepped Honda got sideways exiting turn 4, sending her down the bank and into the edge of the pit wall before spinning wildly back to the high side of the bank.

Bruised and Sore

Mann suffered a few bruises and general soreness, but was cleared by the track medical staff. She told press that losing control was a mistake on her part, an unfortunate result of her infrequency in the seat leading up to this event.

I have a few new bruises, and I’m making friends with some ice packs tonight, but I am fine. I am, however, completely gutted for all of the hard working crew who now have to put a race car back together again,” said Mann following the incident.

Prior to the crash, she had posted the 14th fastest lap time of the 33 cars in practice Wednesday. Her team will try and repair the damage for Pippa’s qualifying runs this weekend. With Pippa Mann uninjured, she remains focused on the primary objective of her Indy 500 race quest, to represent and raise money for the Susan G. Komen organization in the fight against Breast Cancer.

If you really want to cheer me up tonight… There’s a certain campaign that stays rolling even while the race car is down!!

Mann’s Get Involved campaign has raised over $29,000 for Susan G. Komen, with 13 days to go before it reaches its conclusion just after the close of the Indy 500. Fans can contribute by visiting pippamann.com/getinvolved or following #GetInvolved in social media.

Watch the Pippa Man crash from Indianapolis (video: Indycar)

Brittany Force lands Monster Sponsorship

May 13, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

The long-awaiting announcement of the primary sponsorship on the Top Fuel dragster of Brittany Force was just announced. Monster Energy Drinks has come on-board at John Force Racing to fully-fund the program, starting at this weekend’s 35th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, GA. The contract with Brittany and the Top Fuel operation will extend for the next 3 years as a primary sponsor, with associate billing on the rest of the John Force Racing camp.

Monster Sponsorship

VP of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy, Mitch Covington, is excited for the company’s return to drag racing, having previously backed veteran driver, Kenny Bernstein in 2006.

““You can’t even mention drag racing without including John Force and John Force Racing,” said Monster Vice President of Sports Marketing Mitch Covington. “Their winning dominance and high performance heritage are simply unmatchable. John is a personality that actually transcends the sport and his daughter Brittany is every bit the fierce competitor as her dad – and she’s a lot prettier than John. The next generation of JFR, Monster Energy is thrilled to have Brittany at the controls of the Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster this season. Monster is all about unleashing the beast, and there is no other beast like a 10,000 horsepower, asphalt wrinkling, Nitro guzzling dragster.”

Having tried to make in-roads himself with Monster previously no to avail, news of a meeting from persistent efforts by Brittany and Courtney left him skeptical. But the girls were able to put the presentation and pitch together, landing a deal that pleasantly surprised Force.

John Force first approached us about this deal over a year ago, but it wasn’t his presence that sold this opportunity,” said Covington. “The credit for this goes directly to Brittany and Courtney Force, who were the ones that really delivered the presentation, and put this deal into motion.”

“When the meeting finally occurred with Monster, you could already feel an electricity in the room. It was as if they were already Brittany’s best friends. I am so proud of this next generation, because they are showing they have what it takes not only on the racetrack, but that they are doing what it takes on the business end as well.” John Force, CEO of John Force Racing, Inc.

Monster’s activation of their brand and their athletes is also a great added bonus to the partnership between the companies. Known for the cross-promotion of their athletes across a wide variety of different extreme sports, Brittany’s likeness would join that of Ken Block, Rob Dyrdek, Vaughn Gittin Jr and many more in the Monster camp. The expected involvement with NHRA Drag Racing will be similar to their presence with NASCAR in terms of marketing activation, with some limitations in respect to the series title sponsor, also a beverage company.

Brittany Force could not be more pleased with the pairing, saying that her entire team are huge fans of Monster, stocking the drinks in their pits long before the announcement was made.

I am so excited to be teamed up with Monster Energy as the primary sponsor on my Top Fuel Dragster. You see the Monster logo on everything from NASCAR to Action Sports and to have them back in the NHRA seems like a perfect fit. The great thing about partnering up with Monster is how easy it will be for me to promote their brand because my team and I love to drink Monster. I can’t wait to get them into the winner’s circle. My whole team is fired up and we will definitely unleash the beast starting this weekend,” said Brittany.

The team is expected to debut their full Monster Energy livery at this weekend’s NHRA event in Commerce, GA .

Shannon McIntosh launches new website

May 13, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Newly redesigned ShannonMcIntosh.com

20 year racing veteran Shannon McIntosh has just announced the launch of her newly redesigned website, www.shannonmcintosh.com. Starting when she was just a child, Shannon has driven over 30+ cars in a wide range of motorsport categories, anything from Quarter Midgets, Micro Sprints, Dirt Late Models, Indycar and most recently ARCA stock car racing. She has amassed over 100 wins, and race on over 50 tracks across the county.

Moving and planning for the future

The Ohio-born McIntosh recently relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina from the St. Petersburg, FL area, and is currently exploring some Late Model (pavement) and Dirt Track racing opportunities. She is focused on securing new sponsors and marketing partners for a full-time racing return.

Be sure to check out her new site, and stay tuned for more updates on her racing career.

Pippa Mann’s run at Indy 500 for Susan G. Komen

May 1, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Pippa Man enters 4^th career Indianapolis 500

This year is the 99th running of the legendary Indianapolis 500, and British Indy driver, Pippa Mann, is ready to represent women racing with a special pink tribute car. Paired with a large campaign on Indiegogo, the international crowdfunding website, her racecar livery is dedicated to the race against breast cancer at the Indy 500 for Susan G. Komen program.

This marks the 4^th run at the Indy 500 for Pippa, who is one of only 11 female racers to compete in the historic race. Her best finish so far has been in the 20^th position, a mark she hopes to improve with her Komen team in 2015.

Susan G. Komen

The Susan G. Komen organization is the largest and most widely-recognized breast cancer assistance and resource non-profit organization. Mann joined forces with the organization in her 2014 Indy 500 campaign to increase awareness and raise funds. Her partnership with Indegogo has strengthened the funding efforts for her 2015 return, with a goal of $50,000 and a more fan interactive initiative.

As we started to prepare for the second year of this program, I wanted a much more interactive way to host the fundraising component that would show a goal, our progress towards it, and give us the ability to reward people who contribute to the campaign,” said Mann. “I am incredibly grateful for the way the racing community has stepped up to be a part of this campaign to raise money, and I love the list of perks we will be offering through the site.

Want to help Pippa fight Breast Cancer with Komen?

You can join into the fight by visiting pippamann.com/getinvolved, through midnight after the Indy 500 race concludes. Race fans, benefactors, media and other supporters can follow along the progression of the campaign leading up to race day. Donors get cool perks, including Komen wristbands and koozies, tribute T-shirts, Honda and Firestone hats, garage tours, a Race with Pippa night at Fastimes Karting, new exclusive Doug Garrison Artwork, and Bell mini helmets painted by Pippa’s Indy 500 helmet painter.

I’m excited about our campaign finally going live, and to see people clicking through, talking about it, telling friends about it, and getting involved with what we’re trying to do,” said Mann. “This isn’t a campaign for just my fans; this is a campaign for anyone who has been directly affected by breast cancer, and also for those we hope will never be affected. We believe our $50,000 goal is achievable, and we believe we can get there with the help of our fans and supporters. If just 5,000 people donate $10 each, we will be able to meet our goal.

The online buzz can be followed via the #GetInvolved hashtag on social media, as well as the URL pippamann.com/getinvolved.

Good Luck Pippa, we’ll be cheering for you!

CarChix 2015 Event Schedule

March 25, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

CarChix Ladies Only Drag Race competitors

Mark your calendars!

CarChix.com just announced their Carchix 2015 Event Schedule, and it looks like they have a fun-filled year planned. They have added a second Ladies Only Drag Race to the line up, as well as a return of their annual Women of Motorsports contest, Drag Racing for Life Breast Cancer benefit race, and other fun meet & greet events.

Want to learn more about Car Chix? Check out this featured site article and read all about it!

CAR CHIX 2015 EVENT SCHEDULE

May 2nd – Chicago Blacklight 5k Run
Chicagoland Speedway | Joliet, Illinois
Join the CarChix Team for neon glow fun 5K outing held at Chicagoland Speedway.
June 6th – Ladies Only Drag Race
Byron Dragway | Byron, Illinois
Return of the Ladies Only Drag Race series. More information to be announced soon. (Check the CarChix.com website for more info)
August 28th – 29th – Drag Racing for Life Breast Cancer Fundraiser / 62nd World Series of Drag Racing
Cordova Dragway Park | Cordova, Illinois
The 5th Annual Drag Racing for Life Breast Cancer benefit race is one of the largest events for CarChix.com. (Check the CarChix.com website for more info)
September 12th – 19th – The 2015 Women of Motorsports Contest
(Online Event)
This annual contest takes place online, where ladies submit their favorite photos and solicit votes for a top spot. The Top 12 Winners are then featured in the 2016 Car Chix Calendar.
October 4th – World Power Wheelstand Championship
Byron Dragway | Byron, Illinois
October 10th – Ladies Only Drag Race
Dyno Dom’s Sikeston Raceway | Sikeston, Missouri
The second Ladies Only Drag Race event scheduled for 2015, this one is held at the Sikeston track. (Check the CarChix.com website for more info)
November 21st – 22nd – Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | Rosemont, Illinois
December 10th – 12th – Performance Racing Industry Show (PRI)
Indianapolis Convention Center | Indianapolis, Indiana
A meet-up at one of the largest Racing Industry trade shows in the country.

Erica Enders doubles up on Racer of the Year

March 5, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Good news this week as Racer Magazine announces their annual Racer of the Year awards. One of my favorite ladies in racing, Erica Enders captured not just one, but TWO Racer of the Year awards, gaining the ultimate overall category win as well as the Drag Racing award.

Congrats, Erica Enders!

It is really great to see her received the much deserved accolades that go with such a monumental win. Not only is it big and inspiring news to see a woman win the World Championship, but to have done so in such down-to-the-wire dramatic fashion, is nothing short of amazing. Thinking back to all the naysayers and the struggles she endured in her Pro Stock career, I’ll say that the awards are much deserved celebration to her feats.

Racer of the Year

The award is voted on by readers, which to me, is a strong indication of the loyalty of NHRA fans. John Force won the top award in 2010, 2013, 2014. Enders now takes the overall spot for 2015. And someone tell me again why drag racing isn’t a good sponsor investment? That’s some fiercely loyal fanbase there. In fact, while she won Racer of the Year honors with 48.9% of the vote, the next closest competitor was Mr. Force himself with 9.7%. That’s a landslide victory for Enders, and a lionshare vote for drag racing.

But what saddens me, was the pre-season announcement that her Elite team may not compete in all of the NHRA events again this season. What is wrong with the world that the defending Pro Stock champion- a marketable, personable, history-paving woman- can’t get the funding she needs to compete in a full season? That question may lie more in the NHRA’s programming than in her abilities as World champion.

Either way, here’s a big shoutout to Erica Enders-Stevens, Racer of the Year!

The end of an era

January 15, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

For the past several decades, the name Force has always been synonymous with Ford Racing. Whether you are a drag racing fan or not, chances are you know John Force Racing as the longstanding ambassador of Ford Motor Company.

John Force Racing Chevrolet

Force and Chevy — Force Racing teams with Chevy

I’ve only been involved in the sport for 15 years, so a world without Force/Ford Racing is a foreign one to me. I was saddened when Ford announced in 2013 that they would leave drag racing and JFR at the end of 2014. Although I knew this day would come, it is still a tough pill to swallow to imagine the Force name pulling into Pomona in anything but a Blue Oval.

But all good things must come to an end, and where one legacy closes, another chapter begins. Today, the much anticipated announcement was made: John Force Racing will be running under the Chevrolet brand for 2015 and beyond.

I’m not sure what emotions this will stir come the start of the 2015 Mello Yellow NHRA Drag Racing season opener, but on the bright side, it speaks good things about the sport to see a sponsor with such a large involvement and presence come into the fray.

Force’s Ford and Castrol sponsorships spanned many decades, a testament to the work and value he delivered to his partners. While many (including myself) were sad to see Ford depart, you have to give credit and thanks for the many years of memories that these partnerships provided to us, the fans. It is truly a testament to the work of Force and the sport of drag racing that such an enduring relationship thrived. Its also one that should be studied by us racers, as a good example of sponsor retention.

Now the question…. who will cut their Blue Oval ties to don a Bowtie in support of John Force Racing Chevrolet?

Ladies of NHRA on the Red Carpet

November 19, 2014 // by Horsepower & Heels

Its always nice to see my favorite ladies of NHRA on the red carpet for the annual NHRA Year-End Banquet and Awards Ceremony. We don’t get enough chances to see them outside their fire suits or sponsor crew uniforms. But make no mistake, these ladies are as fashion-forward as they come! They all look absolutely stunning in their formal attire. Safe to say, all of these ladies are my #WCW #WomanCrushWednesday

Ladies of NHRA on the Red Carpet 2014

Leah Pritchett at the NHRA Banquet — Leah Pritchett and husband Gary

Courtney Force at NHRA Banquet — Courtney Force and boyfriend Graham Rahal

Erica Enders Stevens at NHRA Banquet — Erica Enders-Stevens and husband Richie

Brittany Force at NHRA Banquet — Brittany Force and friend

Angie Smith at NHRA Banquet — Angie Smith and husband Matt

Video of the Mello Yellow Awards Ceremony

Photos: NHRA

Let’s hear your comments: Who wore it best?

Women in Motorsports Examiner

November 5, 2014 // by Horsepower & Heels

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

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

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

Subscribe to Women in Motorsports Examiner

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

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