Women in Racing

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.”

Kim G. Whited And Purple Haze Racing

December 2, 2015 // by Kelly Morris

It all started when Kim Gioielli Whited turned 16. Receiving her first car of a 1972 Chevy Chevelle, Kim hung out with the guys growing up, as their interest for cars interested her. She then learned to do a burnout, and “chirp” second gear, Kim says it was a big thing in the 80’s. As time went on she got into a 1967 RS Chevy Camaro, which she began to race on the street. Not only did Kim race her Camaro, but guys would let her race their cars too.

I wasn’t afraid to race and some guys were intimidated by losing to a girl. I think it messed with their heads because I was winning money!

As the rush of the horsepower made her want to go faster. Kim decided to take things to a safer environment, and run on the track. She then sold her Camaro for a 1983 Monte Carlo, she raced from 1997 to 2004. Kim suffered a horrible accident on the track, that totaled the car in 2004.

As Kim came to the finish line, It became a scary day for her and her family at Summerduck Dragway. Racing at a speed of 120 mph while pushing down on the brake pedal, feeling that her brakes have gone out. She looked down to see if the rod was there or if maybe the pedal had fallen off. But by the time she looked back up, her car began to swerve. As she tried to miss the railing so she didn’t hit head on, it clipped the passenger rear quarter panel. Trying everything she could to make it to the sand trap. Her car was moving too fast, it slid. Hitting the left guard rail at the bottom end, her car began to fly into the air wrapping around the front end of the car. Only to end up landing on the Owner of the Summerduck Dragway’s vehicle.

Purple Haze Racing

After months and weeks of recovering, Kim wouldn’t give up that easy. She was then given a 1969 Camaro which is known as Purple Haze, by a man Kim cherished as it sat in the woods for years. She states, “I could never picture to be what it is today.” The chassis work and time was donated by a great man, Steve Zaccardi, Owner of Zaccardi Fabrications. Mike Keeler, Owner of Keeler Motorsports also did some chassis work too. The body work was done by John Lanham and Richard Pritchett. The wiring, front end and wheelie bars were done by Chris Cheek, Owner of Cheeks Performance. It took another 3 years until it was finally painted by Juan Romo. Following her sponsors of Purple Haze TEJ Lawn & Landscaping, and LLC Express Auto Transport.

Her Engine Builder is 2x Mountain Motor Champion “General” Lee Edwards, Owner of Lee Edwards Racing Engines in Catlett, VA. He was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2015. The Transmission Builder is Wayne Rogers, Owner of Rogers Automotive in Chantilly, VA.

I would also like to thank the sponsors of our 5.90 Index Class that is held at Sumerduck Dragway, Sumerduck, VA: Whitey’s Automotive and Rogers Automotive.

Her love for Motorsports

Among all of her supporters, there has been none greater than Lee & Wayne. The knowledge and wisdom that they have imparted upon her is immeasurable. Kim know’s how to drive fast and how to compete. These two men have taught her the nuance of racing, and pushing her to become better. “I have the up most respect for these two gentlemen. Like every racer, I have suffered setbacks with my cars” she says.

I just love the feel of leaving the line on the two step…going FAST And being able to make my own decisions on tuning my car for each round.

Although Kim hasn’t made any accomplishments with racing, she still aiming to work harder every time she’s out on the track. Not looking back at the past and learning from mistakes. Continuing on, Kim feels she has made a strong impact on other women in Motorsports, especially towards her fans. She plans to continue doing what she loves, and that’s racing.

Shop Women in Motorsports

November 25, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to show your support for your favorite women in racing AND score cool finds for yourself or your loved ones than by shopping at your women of motorsports online stores!

Shop Women of Motorsports Online

We’ve put together a quick list of online shops and stores owned by women in the motorsport world. They’ve even added some extra promo codes for additional Black Friday savings!

Tracey’s Racing Jewelry -Find racing jewelry and apparel of all kinds! Earrings, hats, necklaces, key chains, belt buckles, bracelets in a variety of genres- checkered flag, Drag Racing, Funny Car, Sprint Car, Modified Dirt Cars, Late Models, Motocross, and more!
Use PROMO code: BF2015 for special savings!
McKenna Haase Racing -Check out the cool team items for sale by Des Moines, Iowa 305 Sprint Car racer, McKenna Haase. Her online store has hats, t-shirts, and even air fresheners with the team design in a variety of styles and sizes from infant to adult, men and ladies.
Sara Price MX –

Professional Motorcross and Supercross racer and X-Games Medalist, Sara Price has some rad threads for sale on her online store. Get ahead with you very own MX Girls Calendar and be ready for 2016!Receive free shipping on all Black Friday orders!
Girls Torque -Our friends over at Girls Torque have some great t-shirts, calendars, decals and more of their Girls Torque, Racing Mrtyle, and Mum’s Garage brands. Girls Torque hails from Australia, check out their international support of women in motorsport. There are sure to be some great finds for Black Friday, visit their online store to get all the details!
Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing -NASCAR driver Jennifer Jo Cobb has team t-shirts, apparel and accessories up for grabs bearing her popular JJCR #10 designs.
Shoppers get a Free Autographed Hero Card with every purchase!
Carchix -The ladies at CarChix have some of your favorite gifts for your gearhead friends! From CarChix branded apparel, to helmet, piston, turbo and nitrous key chains, and decals for your ride!
Use promo code CCTHANKS2015 for 10% off all items in the Car Chix Store — including t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, jewelry, keychains, decals and more! Promo ends 11/30 at 11:59 PM CST.
Molly Helmuth Racing -Support Super Late Model racer, Molly Helmuth by getting your own Molly Helmuth Racing T-Shirt! They also have lanyards, decals, hats and more to choose from!
As a special Black Friday promotion, if you buy one T-shirt, you get a free lanyard, hero card and 2 stickers!
Aerospace Components –Kim Kussy stopped by to offer some special discounts on Aerospace Components gear! Need fuel/cooling/transmission/braking components for your ride? Aerospace has you covered!
Promo Codes: “25” = 25% off | FS = free shipping on your order!
Leah Pritchett -NHRA Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett, is working hard over this holiday season to find a full-time ride for 2016. Help support this talented racer and businesswoman by choosing from hats, t-shirts, tanks and wristbands.
Promo Codes: WRISTBANDS = free wristband with order | TAKE10 = $10 off order | Offer expires 11/29/15 at 11:59pm PST. Excludes Shipping. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Pippa Mann -Indycar driver Pippa Mann has some great team apparel and designs in support of her Susan Komen program. Choose from Pippa hats tanks shirts lanyards and more.
Use BLACKFRIDAY25 to get an extra 25% off anything in the Classic Pippa Black/Red/Yellow line already on sale. Offer is valid Black Friday through midnight, Cyber Monday.
Heather Capano / Split Racing -Heather Capano stopped by to share her Split Racing apparel. Heather is an integral part of the Split Racing crew, and featured on the wild apparel designs offered in the store.

Happy Black Friday Shopping!

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal

November 23, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Over the weekend, Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal to become racing’s newest power couple. The NHRA Funny Car driver and her new Indycar husband, tied the knot in a stunning beachfront ceremony at Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara, CA.

Courtney Force Weds Graham Rahal at Rancho Dos Pueblos

Details of the Force-Rahal Wedding plans were kept tight-lipped, but many expected it to follow shortly after the conclusion of the NHRA racing season. As expected, the nuptials took place just days after Courtney finished her 2015 Mello Yello NHRA Drag Racing season in 11th place for the Funny Car division.

Courtney Force's Bridesmaids — Sisters Ashley and Brittany and Adria were among Courtney’s bridesmaid court.

Graham proposed to Courtney Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 during a beautiful evening gondola ride in Venice, Italy. The pair met in 2013 during the NHRA races outside Chicago, and a whirlwind romance ensued. Rahal, who is based in Indianapolis, logged many frequent flier miles between his home and Courtney’s California residence. The pair would meet between their busy racing schedules, texting and skyping when they couldn’t be together.

The Reception location where Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal Photo: Soigne Productions

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal in this beautiful beach ceremony location — The beachfront ceremony scene for the Force – Rahal Wedding.
Photo: Soigne Productions

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Graham Rahal!

Maria Costello: Queen of the Bikers

November 20, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Maria Costello: Queen of the Bikers

Author: Maria Costello, with Steve Pitts

Genre: Autobiography, Sports – Motorsports

Publication Date: January 8, 2014

Length: 171 pages

Synopsis

The autobiography of British motorcycle road racer, Maria Costello MBE, takes you through the journey of a petite blonde into the male dominated world of racing. Maria walks through her life story from awkward teen to record breaking racer, recounting the struggles, the gory injuries, and the difficult relationships endured along the way to Isle of Mann fame and Guinness Book of World record titles. Each chapter details the pains in being knocked down and having to rebuild herself back up, not only from the physical injuries, but from the mental ones as well. Her decade-long career has seen the loss of racing mentors and near-death experiences of her own. But the successes and the accomplishments outweigh the hardships for Costello, as she persevered on to become one of Europe’s top Motorcycle racers, earning countless trophies and the honor of being named Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

My Thoughts on “Maria Costello: Queen of the Bikers”

Maria tells a very honest and candid account of her life story, detailing the passion and interest that she possessed for motorbikes from a young age, of having to first overcome the objections of her parents and family before moving onto the constant objections of the male-dominated motorsports world. The story was filled with funny accounts from her early years, the often painful recollections of her many crashes and injuries, and some of the more personal details of her private life and the difficult chore of balancing them with her racing dreams.

I really appreciated not only her racing history retold, the struggles, and the inner workings of race sponsorship and paddock culture, but also her mindset and resolve required entering the motorsports world and its effects on her personal relationships. I think it is a story that women in motorsports of all forms can relate to in one fashion or another, and one that isn’t often discussed publicly.

<br /> At times, the book detailed far too many switches between classes and motorcycle models that the average reader may find themselves lost in, or not fully be able to appreciate the importance or differences between the models and their respective power, engine displacement and relative size. It also was a bit out-of-sync on the chronological order of events at times, jumping forward and back in events, but only mildly scattered and not difficult to follow.

Overall, I really appreciated reading about Maria’s obvious passion and dedication to her sport, and found the book very easy and engaging to read. I found the book very relate-able for Women in Racing and the motorsports world, and could identify with many of the insecurities and the passionate drives that she discussed in her journey. I think “Maria Costello: Queen of the Bikers” is a wonderful read for fans and racers alike, and that her story goes beyond that of a sports autobiography or a motorsports fare, extending as a tale of a woman’s lone defiant struggle to succeed in a hostile and dangerous male world.

Karting Magazine Female Driver of the Year

November 17, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Karting Magazine is hosting their 2015 awards, and the Female Driver of the Year category is up for grabs. Readers can vote on their favorite female driver out of the 20 young ladies eligible for nomination. All females who competed in a Club or National Championship event during the 2015 season were candidates for the category.

To vote, visit Karting Magazine and follow the link for your driver, using the Facebook Like button at the bottom of their page to place your vote. Voting closes November 22, 2015, and the winner will be announced in the December edition of Karting Magazine.

2015 Karting Magazine Female Driver of the Year Nominees

Abbi Pulling
Abbie Munro
Abigail Ross
Alicia Goundry
Alisha Roland
Anna Morris
Bryony King
Carol van Beusekom
Charlotte Fox
Jamie-lea Hawley
Jem Hepworth
Kaite Crowther
Logan Hannah
Lucy Fulton
Lydia Walmsley
Marcie Russell
Megan Lawson
Stephanie Walters
Susanne Gutzold
Tilly Goundry

Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet 2015

November 17, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

It’s the end of the season, and that means the annual 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Awards Ceremony has arrived! All of our favorite stars of the NHRA series gathered Monday after the finals in Pomona to Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Vineland for a year-end banquet and the crowning of the 2015 champions. This formal event is always a crowd favorite, because we get the rare chance to see our favorite personalities outside their fire suits and crew uniforms, dressed to the nine in formal attire.

For 2015, the ladies didn’t disappoint, hitting the NHRA Red Carpet all looking stunning. Check out their red carpet fashion below!

Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet 2015

Leah Pritchett and Angie Smith on NHRA Red Carpet — Top Fuel’s Leah Pritchett and Pro Stock Bike’s Angie Smith

Erica Enders on NHRA Red Carpet — Pro Stock World Champion Erica Enders

Courtney Force and Graham Rahal on NHRA Red Carpet — Funny Car driver Courtney Force and fiance, open wheel driver Graham Rahal

Angie Smith Karen Stoffer on NHRA Red Carpet — Pro Stock Bike’s Karen Stoffer and Angie Smith

Brittany and Courtney Force on NHRA Red Carpet — Top Fuel driver Brittany Force with sister Courtney.

Alexis DeJoria Jesse James on NHRA Red Carpet — Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, husband Jesse James, and sister.

Jenna Haddock at the NHRA Red Carpet year end banquet — Top Fuel driver Jenna Haddock and husband Terry

WHO WORE IT BEST? Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet – Vote in Comments below!

Video: Awards Ceremony | Last year’s Ladies of NHRA 2014 Red Carpet Album

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.

First woman to win ‘Pinks all out’

November 15, 2015 // by Kelly Morris

Women of Motorsports sure are on the hunt for achieving big wins by dominating the men in the process. That’s where 19 year old Sarah Boyce from New Derry, PA comes along. As she spent most of her time at the track to spectate and watch her dad compete, she became drawn to the excitement. There after Sarah took on her dad, Ron Boyce 2014 Dodge Ram pick up truck, where she ran 14.90’s in a quarter mile track.

After winning at Pinks, all I can remember is wanting to jump out of my car, hug my Dad, my Mom and my boyfriend Tyler. I was so happy they were there for this life changing experience. We still talk about it to this day.

Winning, Pinks All Out

As Sarah graduated High School, her parents awarded her with a 1989 Fox Body Mustang. She couldn’t wait to get on the track because she felt this car was exactly right for her. Sarah’s dad entered her into the event, Pinks All Out. A TV show hosted by Rich Christenson.

You would of thought somebody died, I and everyone else around me screamed like crazy! I couldn’t believe I got picked for the Top 16, let alone be the first person called, I was so excited!

She then became very nervous, as there were over 100 people in her 11 second bracket class. They gave them two qualifying rounds, then after everyone got to make their two qualifying passes, Rich made an announcement of who made the Top 16, hoping that Sarah had a chance. The first thing Rich said was Car “#72, Sarah Boyce.” Being apart of this event was life changing for her. Sarah didn’t think she could win something like this. She plans attend again in 2016, in hopes for another win.

I raced against guys who have been racing for many years, I was so proud that I never gave up. We still talk about it to this day!

She still continues to build her dreams by attending the track in Pittsburgh Raceway Park in hopes to impact other women of Motorsports. Her biggest supporters are her parents, boyfriend and her racing family.

Nicole Johnson nabs 1st in Scooby Doo

November 12, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Nicole Johnson, the driver of the popular Scooby Doo Monster Jam truck, nabbed first place in the Wheelie and Donut competitions at the San Juan, Puerto Rico Monster Jam event held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico on Friday, November 6.

“We took 1st in Wheelies and 1st in the Donut Competition last night! It helps having a dog that knows tricks!!!” — Nicole Johnson, Facebook

The event marked the first time that the Monster Jam series has visited the island of Puerto Rico.

Nicole Johnson made the jump from professional rock crawling competitions to Monster Jam in 2011, with more than 17 years of four wheeling experience under her belt in total. The mom of two has driven the Tasmanian Devil in 2011, the Advanced Auto Grinder truck in 2012, and debuted the new Scooby Doo Monster Truck in 2013.

Source: Nicole Johnson, Facebook | Monster Jam