Women in Racing

Sara Slaughter new NHRA Media Relations Manager

February 23, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

The National Hot Rod Association announced Sara Slaughter as the new NHRA Media Relations Manager for the drag racing organization. Slaughter will bring her experience gained in the sports department of Riverside, California’s The Press-Enterprise newspaper and her previous internship at Health & Fitness Magazine in London, England to support outreach for the NHRA.

In her new role, Slaughter will provide media outreach for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, as well as support other NHRA communications programs and NHRA racing series. In addition, she will maintain and develop relationships with national media members, assist with research and statistical projects and contribute to all NHRA communications department publications.

We’re pleased to have someone with Sara’s abilities join our communications team,” Anthony Vestal, NHRA Director of Media Relations said. “She has the work ethic, personality, attitude and desire to have an immediate impact with the media relations programs we have developed to promote and publicize the sport of NHRA Drag Racing.”

Slaughter graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside in June 2014 with a major in Political Science. She is a native of Southern California.

It is a fantastic feeling to be chosen to join the NHRA team,” Slaughter said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to be able to be a part of this growing sport and continue my career in the sports world.”

Willow Springs challenging for Michele Abbate

February 23, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Rounds 3 & 4 of the SCCA US National Tour made Willow Springs challenging for Michele Abbate. After a successful opening weekend a few weeks ago, Michele and her GRR Racing team were ready to take on Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. This would mark the first time the team would be racing their Scion FRS at the venue, with no practices on the schedule to prepare for qualifying and racing.

Saturday’s Qualifying and Race

Saturday morning would begin well for Michele, as she was able to qualify with a 1:32.9 lap time, earning her the P3 position out of 9 cars. Confident after a strong qualifying effort, the team felt prepared for the race, with crew chief Anthony Philleo stating, “We just need to stay consistent and hit our marks and we will be running up front”.

As the green flag dropped for the race, Abbate pushed forward in an excellent start, passing two cars in other classes on the lead lap. As she approached to battle for 2^nd place, the handling of GRR Racing FRS started to fall off exponentially.

The car became progressively worse, but I continued to push with hopes of making to the checkered flag”, Abbate confessed.

She eased up and dropped back to 4^th place to stay conservative. But with just two laps to go, the front left tire expired as she entered turn 8, and forced Abbate to retire early.

Afterwards, the GRR Racing team assessed the damage, replacing the flat tire and looking over the car to find the source of the flat and ill-handling during the race. The culprit? A broken rear endlink – causing the car to lose its desired setup and making it very difficult for Michele to control around the track. The team worked through the night to repair the damage, and reset the car for Sunday’s activities.

Sunday’s Qualifying and Race

On Sunday, Michele returned to the track with her freshly setup GRR Racing FRS for qualifying. Her lap times earned her the P3 spot again for the Sunday afternoon race. Much like her Saturday start, when field took off to the wave of the green, Abbate rocketed forward passing 3 other classed cars on the inside before entering turn one. Another promising start, and the team was optimistic that this would be the turnaround for the weekend. Unfortunately, about a third of the way into the race, the handling start to fall off once again on the GRR Racing FRS. Understeering terribly through the right handers, Abbate struggled to maintain consistent, fast lap times. Taking precautions she nursed the car to a 4^th place finish once the checkered was thrown.

Willow Springs challenging for Michele Abbate

Though the weekend was challenging for Michele Abbate and the GRR Racing team, they are taking the lessons learned and are applying them to prepare the car for Rounds 5 and 6 at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA on April 8^th-10th. The team has 6 weeks to analyze and make changes before, and will be ready for the next round in the SCCA Nationals Tour.

Enjoyed this article? Keep with Michele and hundreds of other women in motorsports by subscribing to receive free Horsepower & Heels news updates.

Danica Patrick’s Daytona 500 Cut Short

February 22, 2016 // by Taylor Hyatt

As Speedweeks came to a close with the 58^th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Danica Patrick left with much to be desired from her newly sponsored Nature’s Bakery No. 10 Chevy SS with Stewart-Haas Racing. This was Patrick’s first event with the snack and food brand sponsor as well as crew chief Billy Scott. The two had never worked together until the February 13^th Sprint Unlimited, but the communication seemed fluent between them all weekend. Unfortunately, everything else didn’t go as planned.

Patrick takes damage in the Sprint Unlimited race

Patrick, whose 2013 Daytona 500 pole position earned her a spot in the Sprint Unlimited, started the race in 12^th and despite multiple incidents finished in 11^thposition. She had made her way towards the front of the pack at one point, but a sudden decrease in speed by the No. 31 caused her to make contact ending in major grille damage. After fixing the majority of the problem during yellow flag pit stops, the No. 10 was caught up in a multi-car incident leading to right-front damage once again. Fortunately, for the team the car was able to continue and finished the race. In a post-race interview Patrick didn’t show much excitement about the on track activity.

That’s just speedway racing. I feel really good about how tonight went.”

Danica Patrick | Thursday’s Can-Am Duel

More trouble was ahead for the Stewart-Hass Racing team in Thursday’s qualifying race, the Can-Am Duel, for the Daytona 500. Starting in the 14^th position Patrick was in a great place to fine tune the team’s plan. That is until she was once again caught up in a multi-car accident, however, only sustaining minor damage from a spin in oil after moving to avoid the carnage happening in front of her car. Being that this happened on the final lap she was able to take the checkered flag and because of the NASCAR caution rules she was given a 7^th place finish. Patrick was optimistic that her team would be able to repair her car before the big day.

Hopefully, nothing is wrong with the car and we can just hammer on it a little bit, get it where it needs to be, change out the engine and get ready for the 500.”

Danica Patrick’s Daytona 500 efforts

Finally, it was time for the main event. The event race fans from all around the nation come to the sunshine state to watch, The Daytona 500. Patrick began the race in 16^th position, but after a green-flag pit stop causing a pass-through penalty due to crew members being over the wall before permitted by the guidelines, she was back on track without any help from the draft. Quickly, she found herself a lap down and during the next caution was just out of reach for the “Lucky Dog” which would have put her back on the lead lap.

It (the penalty) put us in a position of being aggressive at the wrong time in the race against cars you don’t always want to be aggressive with” said Patrick.

Unfortunately, left-rear contact was made with the No. 16 car, of Greg Biffle, causing Patrick to go airborne and spinning into the infield ultimately ending her day with a 35^th position finish and only earning six points towards the chase.

As if Danica needed anything else to go wrong during the first race of the season, The King himself, Mr. Richard Petty, thought he would add insult to injury. He’s always been a tough critic of hers and very vocal in regards to her NASCAR career. In an interview with Yahoo Sports he once again expressed his opinion.

“She ain’t gotten no better or no worse.”

Although, a rough start to the season, Danica Patrick has the tools, the car, and the team to have a great year. Next week she’ll show what she’s got in Atlanta!

What do you think of her Speedweek efforts and the King’s comments?

Comment below!

Ariel Biggs announces 2016 plans [Video]

February 22, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Rising dirt track racer, Ariel Biggs announces her 2016 plans with Toyota Racing and Daum Motorsports, including a move back east to Illinois. Check out what has happened after her big outing at the Chili Bowl earlier this year, and what she will be looking forward to for a 2016 racing schedule.

Ariel Biggs Announces 2016 Plans

Keep up with Ariel Biggs and hundreds of other women in racing by subscribing to receive free Horsepower & Heels news updates.

New partner for Pippa Mann: BREVAGenplus

February 22, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Verizon IndyCar Series driver Pippa Mann just announced a partnership with Genetic Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: GENE), a molecular diagnostics company specializing in women’s health, to promote their BREVAGenplus® first-in-class, clinically-validated risk assessment test for non-hereditary breast cancer.

This new partner for Pippa Mann is another advancement in her ongoing efforts and commitment to breast cancer prevention. This season will mark the third year Pippa has supported and partnered with Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.

A new partner for Pippa Man in fight against Breast Cancer

Driving a pink and white race car adorned with the Susan G. Komen livery for the past two Indianapolis 500 races, Pippa has raised awareness and funding to support the cause through her IndyCar activities. Pippa is an ambassador for women’s health with several organizations and is active both nationally and locally in her support of Komen.

I am thrilled to be able to represent another group that is committed to helping end breast cancer by partnering with Genetic Technologies,” said Pippa. “It is fantastic to be able to represent such a game-changing product in the women’s health space. I am looking forward to helping raise the profile of BREVAGenplus® through the exposure that comes with IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500.”

By promoting BREVAGenplus® , Pippa hopes to promote and bring awareness to this fantastic risk assessment test and the benefits of early-detection, giving women over the age of 35 the power of informed decisions towards preventative care and treatment plans.

The associate sponsorship agreement between Pippa and Genetic Technologies will consist of apparel representation, participation at BREVAGenplus® oriented events and speaking engagements, social media, print and video campaigns, and related sales support activities. Pippa plans to use this new partnership in her efforts at the 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2016.

NMRA racer Nikki Frost

February 22, 2016 // by Kelly Morris

The world of drag racing all started for NMRA driver, Nikki Frost, in the summer of June 2012. Nikki was given a great opportunity from Vortech Superchargers to use her 2013 Ford Mustang GT for their V-3Si kit and SEMA 2012 booth car. Nikki’s new ride would serve as both a race car and her daily driver.

There is no way you can pass an opportunity like that up! I drove my new Mustang with less than 500 miles on it from Philadelphia, PA to Oxnard, CA in July 2012 and I have never looked back.”

With her new Vortech equipped Stang, Nikki worked on establishing herself in the community to honor her commitments to her sponsors.

I focused heavily on showing the car at car shows in 2013 where it was well received. In June 2014, I ran my first sanctioned race at the NMRA All-Female Shootout in Norwalk, OH and was lucky enough to secure the Runner-up spot! This was followed in June 2015 with another NMRA All Female Shootout Runner-up placement. Hopefully my winning streak continues in 2016, but just having the opportunity to race with my husband and our good friends is enough for me.”

Her Mustang has been a SEMA booth car twice, featured in numerous publications, and is the perfect street-strip car for Nikki. She feels beyond blessed for the opportunities that have been presented to her and the experiences are worth everything to her.

Nikki Frost at Frank Hawley School

This February, I had the honor of attend Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in Gainesville, FL. It was hands down the best choice I’ve made so far with drag racing. He teaches the fundamentals as well as advanced techniques that are essential to being a good drag racer. Huge thanks to Frank Hawley, Jimmy and the crew for providing us with the essentials that we need to be successful, educated drag racers! The experience was invaluable – I would highly recommend this school to any drag racer.”

Q&A with Nikki Frost:

When did you know, that racing was what you wanted to do?

Photo: Ford Racing Nation.com

Racing has always been my heart. It wasn’t until I met my husband that I was introduced to the wonderful world of drag racing. The love affair with the track started and the speeding tickets and street racing stopped! Well, mostly. There is nothing better than the thrill of competition and the adrenaline of lining up at the light and letting it fly.”

When it comes to being a Women in Motorsports, do you feel you’ve made an impact?

The way that I feel that I have made an impact on other women in the Motorsports industry is by being able to succeed with only a dream and my car. I have worked hard for everything that I have and will continue to work hard. Nothing will be handed to you, you have to go out and get it yourself, and I would like to think I have empowered other women to follow their dreams as remote as they may seem at the time. Females in the Motorsports industry are surprisingly supportive of one another. You will have your “haters” which happens no matter what you do but not everyone has to like you. Some of my best friends in the industry have come from my first race which proves that women can build each other up and have a great support system even when in a competitive environment. Every woman that I have met in the Motorsports industry has impacted me in some way and I hope that I have positively impacted others as well.”

Who are your biggest supporters?

My biggest supporter is my husband! He is perfectly content sitting back and helping me race even though he is a racer himself. Without him none of this would be possible. My sponsors are amazing to work with and I am fortunate to not just have business relationships with them but friendships as well. My firm is undeniably supportive and allows me the opportunity to pursue my dreams while still advancing my career. The friends that I have in the car community are second to none, car people are the best people! A huge thanks to everyone that has helped me get to where I am today and continues to support me in my future ventures, I couldn’t do it without you!”

Accomplishments for Nikki Frost

Runner-up finishes in the NMRA All Female Shootout in 2014 and 2015.

Nikki Frost’s Sponsors

First Lady of F1 Maria Filippis

February 22, 2016 // by Taylor Hyatt

Formula 1 recently released the unfortunate news that Maria Teresa de Filippis had passed away on January 8^th, at 89 years of age. The Italian driver was the first woman to start a Formula 1 race which happened in the late 1950’s.

This got me thinking about how little we acknowledge the early generation of female, auto racing pioneers. We are always taking about the girls currently in the news making headlines about what a great season they’re having or what a great year it was for women in the sport which is great, but what about the ladies that made it possible for those articles to be written? Let’s talk about them!

Maria Filippis | The First Lady of F1

Maria Filippis is only one of two women to ever have the opportunity to race in Formula 1 and it’s been over 40 years since Lella Lombardi, the second female to start an F1 race, last start in 1976. When asked about being the minority in the sport by Red Bulletin Filippis had a typical answer for the time.

Of course there was prejudice, along the lines of what’s that woman doing here?”

Maria Filippis wasn’t a stranger to auto racing or competition, especially in Italy. Having driven sports cars previously, with many class wins, and participating in prestigious races such as the Mille Miglia, an endurance road race, dating back to 1927.

Maria took the green flag in three Grand Prix races, driving a Maserati 250F, a very popular car at the time. She managed to place 10^th in her first race in Belgium, but in Portugal and Monza she had to pull the car in early due to engine failure.

Unfortunately, after having an awful accident herself, colliding with a light pole, and seeing her Porsche team boss, and friend, Jean Behra, lose his life in a fatal on-course crash Maria decided the risks of racing were too high. She retired in 1959 and never looked back. She was very emotional about the experience in her interview with the Observer in 2006.

That, for me, was the most tragic because it was in a race that I should have been taking part in.”

After many years of marriage and raising children, Maria Fillipis became secretary general of the Club International des Anciens Pilotes de Grand Prix in 1984. In 1997 she became Vice President for retired drivers and most recently, honorary president in 2011.

In the U.S. we had Janet Guthrie and Lynn St. James. In Italy, they had Maria Teresa de Fillipis. Think of the possibilities and how the sport could have changed for women if she would have continued her racing career. Still, we wouldn’t be where we are without her.

The Balance Radio Show – Impact of Women in Racing

February 20, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Horsepower & Heels founder, Erica Ortiz is a guest on sports radio show, “The Balance” to talk with host Tom Marquis about women in racing and their impact on the sport and what Horsepower & Heels is doing to help support that cause.

Listen to Erica explain her take on what are some difficulties women have in racing, the place for traditional gender expectations of women and family and how it plays for racing women, and what roles women are now assuming in the business side of the sport. [Segment begins at the 1:00.00 mark]

Aired: February 20, 2016

A Driving Determination: Women in Engineering

February 18, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Andretti Formula E driver, Simona de Silvestro will be sitting on a special A Driving Determination: Women in Engineering panel to speak about her career journey as part of sponsor TE Connectivity’s Engineering Week festivities.

‘A Driving Determination: Women in Engineering’ Panel

The field of engineering is changing our world every day, and women working in engineering can be powerful role models for young girls pursuing an education and career in science, technology, engineering or math. Through this panel, TE Connectivity (TE) celebrates and recognizes the role women are playing in engineering today, including the unique challenges they face. Each of the six panelists have found success in their chosen fields and will talk about their own journey to finding their passion.

Simona de Silvestro – Driving Determination

Andretti Formula E driver Silvestro will impart her experiences as a five-time Indianapolis 500 participant, and what it is like to be the only current female driver in the Formula E series, the international electric car racing platform.

A Driving Determination: Women in Engineering
Panel Information:

Date: Thursday, February 25th
Time: 11:00AM EST
Register Online for access and more information.

Capri Wesley hopes for first Win

February 18, 2016 // by Kelly Morris

As the new season approaches for 27 year-old drag racer Capri Wesley, she is feeling pretty confident for 2016. Continuing to get race ready and take on her 1998 Z28 Ttop Chevy Camaro to run in the footbrake bracket class, as well as the 5.70 heads up racing, Capri hopes to do a little more with the car to try and run Ultimate Street in some radial races this season.

Capri’s love for Racing

Beginning a love for cars at just a young age, Capri fell for the ’98 Z28 T-top Chevy Camaro. Over time, she found herself drawn into the world of Imports. At the age of 16, she bought a 2000 Honda Prelude. At first, Capri only wanted to use it for show, but she gained friends in the car scene and started to learn more about them. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be fast instead of look good. I started taking my car to the local drag strip, Emerald Coast Dragway at only 16. That poor car was so slow,” she stated. But after while, she began adding some modifications to the car in her quest for speed.

Some things I like the most about drag racing would be the feeling I get being on the track and the family that most of the racers have. I love being one of the only females out there trying to battle in a “man’s world.” Of course that can be a hard part about it but overcoming the odds is a huge accomplishment to me.”

She made good friends with other fellow racers at her home track, who she see’s as family. They have taken her under their wings as well. Over time, Capri earned the accomplishment of becoming one of the fastest women in a Honda Prelude in the nation. She had a new found appreciation for all types of drag cars, allowing her to venture into the domestic car world.

I was lucky enough to have someone allow me to race his 66 Chevy 2 for a few months. After getting to drive a 1000 horsepower Cadillac of a racecar, I finally decided to build my own domestic car that was actually fast. My import was fast for a 4 cylinder, but was never going to do what I wanted to do.”

At the age of 18, Capri found her ultimate dream car: the only one that stole her heart, the 1998 Z28 T-top Chevy Camaro. She is now planning to run the car in the footbrake brackets and some possible heads-up racing, confident that this is her year to receive that first a win for the season. As she puts her Honda Prelude to the side, Capri will eventually make some modifications for next year.

Goals | Capri Wesley

Capri has plenty of goals when it comes to racing. She hopes to become just like the NHRA Pro Stock back to back champion, Erica Enders-Stevens. Capri says she looks up to Erica Enders, feeling that if she could be known as half the racer that Erica is, her career would be a success. Capri stated that one day, she would like to be known for her racing. Eventually she is planning to build a car to run in some Radial classes such as the X275, Outlaw Drag Radial and as well as the Pro Radial classes.

Another goal is to have an article in Drag Illustrated about my racing career and my car. With my new car I hope to be successful in a local class we have called 5.70 real street association.A wonderful man by the name of Tom Clausen has put so much heart into his class and the people who race in it are all a big family. They do some amazing things with their cars and my goal is to be top 3 in the points this year in that class. “

Being a Women in Motorsports

Taking on a man’s sport may have the guys intimidated by women. As for Capri, there have been times that the guys brought her down. Capri stated, “Racing an import, no matter who you are, you are typically labeled a ricer. Most people don’t respect you racing an import even it being a 600whp 4 cylinder. I have been told I can’t drive.” Eventually, she would tell herself to never give up.

I didn’t have the parents who were in to racing or who really had anything to do with it so I’ve done all of this on my own. I think that earns a little bit more respect than the people who were just handed racecars. I try just as hard as the men to learn and to work on my cars and to be able to fit in with all of them. It has definitely made me stronger as a racer and as a person knowing that at times I have to try harder and prove myself more than some of the guys. One day they will see how all my hard work has paid off.”

Do you feel you’ve made an impact?

I’ve always felt like I have an impact on other women in and out of racing. The greatest thing ever is when a girl comes up to you and says, “can I have a picture with you and your racecar?” I always hear, “you’re like the only girl out here racing!” That’s a great feeling. I feel like it gives them hope and promise that they can do the same thing. I know a lot of my closest friends have become way more into cars and racing than they ever would have been if I didn’t race. I hope that as my racing career becomes more successful and known that I can make a bigger impact on women in the community. It’s almost like you can be someone to look up to even if it isn’t just in racing but for women trying to do what they love anywhere. If I can do it, they know they can too.”