Women in Racing

Meyer set for final Central region race

October 7, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Thunder in the Heartland | LODRS Central Region

NHRA Top Alcohol rookie Megan Meyer and her Randy Meyer Racing team are ready for Thunder in the Heartland, the final Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Region competition of the season. The event takes place this weekend at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, OK.

“This will be my first time racing at Thunder Valley, so I’m excited to add another drag strip on my list,” says Meyer. “There are 17 dragsters registered for this race, which is unheard of for a regional race but we are excited to give it our all to qualify good and take the win.”

The driver of the Racer’s Evolved A/Fuel Dragster has had quite a season in her first year in the class, currently holding onto second place in the points chase, and finishing as runner-up twice this season at the regional level.

“My father won this race for the first time last year, so it’s only fitting that I try my best to follow in his footsteps. Currently we are 2nd in points behind Gord Gingles, and we are going to try to get as many points this weekend to lock in our position. I’m extremely happy ending the season in second place, my goal for the year was to just be in the top 5 and we have done extremely well in my rookie year with two regional runner-up finishes. My dad and my guys have given me one of the best race cars in the nation and I couldn’t be happier and more excited to close out the season on a high note.”

The team ran into a slump mid-season during a tough 5-race tour, where performance gremlins kept them out of the winner’s circle. But they regrouped and came out strong in Charlotte, the last National series race, and are excited for their final regional race of the 2016 season.

“The forecast says it will be in the mid-70s all weekend long which is perfect weather for our cars, so we predict we will run some quick numbers. At our last race in Charlotte, we were able to attack our gremlin that has been messing with us and we had some promising results. Unfortunately we lost in the 2nd round, but we still made small improvements that we are happy with.”

The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Central Region event at Thunder Valley Raceway kicks off today with qualifying for TAD Friday and Saturday at 1pm and 4pm. Eliminations will take place Sunday, at 1pm and 3pm.

Current Points Standings in Top Alcohol Dragster | Central Region

(as of 9/30/16 -- from NHRA.com)

Gord Gingles 341
Megan Meyer 235
Dean Dubbin 170
Spencer Massey 149
Gary Cooper 128
James Stevens 107
Michael Manners 86
David Brounkowski 85
Rachel Meyer 75

New Driver Joins Randy Meyer Racing in Thunder Valley

Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team will also welcome a new teammate at the Thunder Valley LODRS Central Region event. Chuck Grospitch, 25, from Olmsted Falls, OH earned his Top Alcohol Dragster license earlier this year.

A mechanic at Don Schumacher racing, Grospitch works professionally in the sport as a crew member, but a long time Bracket Racer and Super Comp driver, he is anxious to get a chance behind the driver’s seat this weekend alongside his new teammate, Megan Meyer with the Randy Meyer Racing team.

“I grew up bracket racing and progressed into Super Comp, before going to work for Pro teams,” says Grospitch. “ I love the thrill of turning the win light on and it’s always been a dream and a goal of mine to race Top Alcohol. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the RMR team. Randy runs a top notch operation and I’m looking forward to working with him and the Meyer family to start my career.”

Haley James takes final Coyote Modified win

October 4, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

NMRA drag racer Haley James takes final Coyote Modified win of the 2016 season at the 18th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals. The second-year racer has had a difficult season, beginning with a jump to the Renegade class, before returning to the class in which she claimed the 2015 series championship title.

James qualified in the No. 4 position in the rain-shortened qualifying program, with a 7.907 second, 173.41 mph effort. In Sunday’s opening round, she was paired with the 2004 Mustang of No. 7 qualifier, Timothy Lapinski, where she would cross the finish line solo with a 7.944 at 172.41 mph pass.

Round two, James would face No. 3 qualifier, Jeff Polivka’s 2013 Mustang. The Hellion B-Team driver would get the startling line advantage with a 0.062 reaction to Polivka’s 0.074 light, taking a holeshot win at the finish with a slower 7.932 second at 173.29 mph pass to Polivka’s losing 7.928 at 175.21 mph effort.

In the semifinal round, Haley would get a competition bye run into the finals, dropping her 93 Mustang into the 7.888 zone at 173.43 mph. This effort awarded James lane choice in the deciding round against the 1985 Mustang of Joe Guertin.

Both cars staged together in the exciting final, but with the first jump at the tree and never looking back, Haley James takes final Coyote Modified win of the season at the World Finals. Her 7.857 second, 173.45 mph performance bested Guertin’s 7.872 at 172.45 mph pass.

“Bowling Green was an amazing way to end a very trying year,” said Haley of the Coyote Modified win. “I’m very grateful for all of the support, help, and teamwork that’s at my constant disposal. We found some very much needed, well overdue power this weekend.”

Video | Haley James takes final Coyote Modified win

Brittany Force finishes Runner Up at Maple Grove

October 3, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

For the second time in three years, NHRA Top Fuel driver Brittany Force finishes runner up at Maple Grove during the Dodge NHRA Nationals. She faced two-time world champion Antron Brown in a rematch of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in what has been one of the closest final rounds so far in the Countdown as both dragsters ran identical elapsed times of 3.721 seconds. Force came up .003 of a second short to Brown after both drivers had nearly equal reaction times with Brown slightly edging Force, a three-time winner this season at the stripe.

“It was definitely a crazy challenging weekend. Everyone only got one qualifying pass, we blew up in the second round and that just makes it tough on everyone. I have a strong team behind me. They pulled through today and we made it to the finals. I have the greatest group of guys on this Monster Energy team. When I saw the time slip I couldn’t believe how close that race was,” said Force.

After qualifying in the No. 12 position, Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team would pick up her first career win over three-time world champion Larry Dixon in a very pivotal first round. It was a close race, with Force’s 3.728 second run prevailing over Dixon’s 3.760. Force got the win by a wing at the finish line. This was Force’s first win over Dixon in five previous races. Force ran the same elapsed time as her second round opponent Doug Kalitta, but he was awarded lane choice into round two based on the higher speed posted.

When Force pulled up beside Mac Tools teammate Doug Kalitta in the second round for her third consecutive semifinal appearance at the Dodge NHRA Nationals, Kalitta was already in motion when the tree dropped, earning a redlight disqualification and handing Force’s Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster the win. Force was so focused on her run that when her dragster shook she pedaled her race car leading to a massive motor explosion. It was a costly win for Force, but it moved her up to the No. 4 position in the Mello Yello point standings.

“When you are further down the track and you blow the tires off it is easier to handle. You know where you are at on the race track and you know what is happening. When it happens instantly it just rattles your head and it is just hard to focus on what is going on,” explained Force. “I didn’t notice that he red-lit beside me because I am trying to get this Monster Energy dragster to hook back up and get down the track. When I felt it blow up and there was nothing happening I saw him out the window and I thought he was going to get the win. At the same time I saw our win light and all that was happening in two seconds. There was a lot going on and that was a lot to wrap your head around. I wish I would have seen my win light sooner and maybe I wouldn’t have blown it up but hey it was a show for the fans watching on Fox.”

Brittany Force finishes Runner Up at Maple Grove — Photo: Gary Nastase

In the semifinals, Force was paired up with fellow Countdown competitor and No. 1 qualifier Leah Pritchett. Both drivers launched simultaneously, but Pritchett went up in smoke while Force made the strongest Top Fuel run of the semifinals. Force’s winning time of 3.731 seconds at 325.06 mph was the quickest and fastest of all four Top Fuel dragsters. The win set up a replay of the Brainerd Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals against Antron Brown where Force got her third win of the season.

“I was trying to do what I did first round and second round which was stay positive. I went up there thinking we are going to get this win. I said it with Dixon. I said it with Kalitta and I said it before the semifinal race. I used that positive energy to really drive myself. That is what I using to make sure I did my job every round today,” concluded Force.

This set the stage for one of the most exciting final rounds of the Countdown. Both Force and Brown left with nearly identical reaction times, running nearly identical E.T.’s at the finish line. But it was Brown who would take the win, by a mere 19 inches.

“This was still a great weekend for us. We would have obviously have liked to be in the winner’s circle but we still have a lot of positives. We moved from 5th to 3rd in the points. The tough part is we have to keep this momentum and keep moving up. The No. 4 and No. 5 drivers are right on our tail. We are going to have to stay on our game. Hopefully at the next race we will get all four of our qualifying passes and do exactly what we did this weekend to get the win,” added Force.

Maria Costello Women’s Trackdays

September 29, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Maria Costello Women’s Trackdays staged another highly successful workshop event at the East Midlands circuit, just two days after the stars of British Superbikes had battled it out on the twists and turns of Donington Park.

The BMW Motorrad UK trackday, presented by Focused Events, Maria offered guidance, support and one-to-one tuition to Maria Costello Women’s Trackday participants, who made the most of fantastic track conditions to improve their riding skills.

With over fifty women in attendance, the day was another big success, proving that these dates are becoming a firm favorite on the motorcycling calendar for many female riders.

“I’m thrilled by the progress all the women made,” Costello said. “Everyone improved their riding skills and took something away with them, whether it was going home a better rider or simply riding more confidently than before. These days have become a true highlight of my year. I really want to make more happen in 2017 because it’s proving to be an important and great way for women to enjoy motorcycling and remain a biker for longer.”

Participant Carmel Kammeier said: “I am not generally into idolizing, but I saw Maria ride at the Classic TT a few weeks ago and on the podium with John McGuinness. Next thing I know, here she is, in the flesh, encouraging and coaching me and many other women. I am back in the office today, but dreaming of my next track day with Maria Costello MBE.”

Sue Ward said she had “an awesome day and learned loads.” She added, “I am still buzzing. Had loads of support from my garage buddies who helped with calming nerves, tire pressures and technique. Most of all huge thanks to Maria Costello, you are so kind as you take so much time for every individual person.”

Costello added: “I need to thank BMW Motorrad UK and Focused Events for making the day possible, along with NGK Spark Plugs (UK), CPL Print Ltd, Arai helmets, EBC Brakes and Towergate insurance for their support of the event. Special thanks to my instructors Rupert & Virgil and finally, a huge thank you to the all the women that played their part in making it a memorable and rewarding day!”

More Information on Maria Costello Women’s Trackdays

To join the Facebook group Woman On A Motorcycle (WOAM) go here.

Dates for future Maria Costello Women’s Trackdays will be announced on Maria’s website, which can be found here.

Desert Storage sponsors land speed racer Valerie Thompson

September 26, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Desert Storage is the newest sponsor to announce support for Arizona resident and seven-time land speed record holder, Valerie Thompson.

Redefining the self-storage business category with a variety of solutions for customers facing the challenge of moving and downsizing, Desert Storage provides air conditioned drive-in storage access, covered outdoor facilities for RV’s/boats/automobiles, wine storage, mailbox rentals and document shredding in a safe and secure environment. A locally owned business headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Desert Storage owns and operates 16 storage centers in Arizona and Nevada.

“When I needed a secure storage facility to keep our motor coach in Scottsdale, Desert Storage was an easy choice. They offer the widest variety of services at the best price,” said Thompson. “Scott Brawn and his staff at Desert Storage are very professional and attentive. They are my last stop after every race since they provide a well-lit cleaning/sanitary dump station and covered parking for our motor coach and motorcycle hauler. I never have to worry about security or access. They really take the hassle out of storing our most critical equipment,” added Thompson.

Thompson is an independent team owner/driver, fielding a record setting BMW S 1000 RR land speed racing motorcycle with plans to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class in 2017. In addition to 7-land speed records, she is a lifetime member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club and first female member of the Colorado Mile. She earned the title of world’s fastest female motorcycle racer with an average one measured mile speed of 304.263 mph and exit speed of 313 mph at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials.

Anosh Vasani, Director of Marketing for Desert Storage, says, “We are really excited to support Valerie in her endeavors. She is a great athlete and we look forward to her breaking even more records.”

Christina Nielsen poised for GTD championship

September 26, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

24 year-old IMSA breakout talent, Christina Nielsen, is poised to make sports car racing history Sept. 29-Oct. 1 during Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The GT Daytona (GTD) racer is on the brink of winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship class title.

If Nielsen completes her required minimum of three of the 10 hours of the final event of the season in the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3, she will become the first female driver to win a major North American sports car racing championship, including IMSA, GRAND-AM and ALMS.

The 10-hour event on Road Atlanta’s 12-turn, 2.54-mile course, located in Braselton, Georgia, begins at 11:10 a.m. (ET) Saturday, Oct. 1.

“Petit is definitely my favorite event of the entire year, but I think it’s also the event that I’m most nervous about,” Nielsen said. “I know I was last year because we were in contention to win the championship, and we’re going into the same position this year. We do have a much bigger lead this year, which makes me a little bit more calm.”

Following a third-place finish Sept. 17 in Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas, Christina Nielsen and Scuderia Corsa teammate Alessandro Balzan lead the GTD class by 32 points, 299-267, over the second-place duo of Ben Keating and Jeroen Bleekemolen.

The sixth podium finish of the season, at Lone Star Le Mans, is a career best for Christina Nielsen. Last season, she stood on the podium five times en route to a second-place finish in the GTD standings by just two points.

“I know we still need to bring it home,” Nielsen said. “We always want to finish on a good note. My dad (former Danish driver Lars-Erik Nielsen) used to say, ‘You’re never better than your last race,’ because people always remember the last race. It’s always great to do well at the end of the season. Road Atlanta is my favorite track. It’s the first track I ever raced on in America. It scared me, and I remembering thinking, ‘Is every track like this here?’ I’ve grown to love it, though; it has an amazing flow and setup. Plus I think a 10-hour race will be a great length for our team.”

Jeff Segal, the team’s third driver for endurance events, will join Christina Nielsen and Alessandro Balzan behind the wheel of the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 at Petit Le Mans presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

The trio has been formidable this season, winning two of the three previous endurance races, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida in mid-March and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in early July. Following the team’s success in these endurance races, Nielsen and Scuderia Corsa are also in the running for the IMSA Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup. Nielsen is in second place by just two points and the upcoming Petit Le Mans endurance race will determine the winner.

Event Info

Race: Petit Le Mans (IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Date: Thursday, Sept. 28 to Saturday, Oct. 1

Venue: Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia. Turns: 12. Circuit Length: 2.54 miles.

Car: No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 (GT Daytona class)

Co-Drivers: Christina Nielsen, Denmark |Alessandro Balzan, Italy | Jeff Segal, United States

Race broadcast: Saturday, Oct. 1 – 11:00 a.m. to 9:10 p.m. (ET) on IMSA.tv; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (ET), FOX Sports 1, and 2:30 – 6 p.m. (ET), FOX Sports 2, FOX Sports GO; audio from all sessions live at imsa.com and radiolemans.com.

Live Timing: www.imsa.com, IMSA app for iOS, Android

Schedule (all times local, ET):

Thursday, Sept. 29 –

Practice 1: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Practice 2: 3:25-4:25 p.m.
Practice 3: 7:30-9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30 –

Practice 4: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Qualifying: 3:30-3:45 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1 –

Warm-up: 8:40 – 9 a.m.;
WeatherTech Championship race: 11:10 a.m. – 9:10 p.m.

About Christina Nielsen

Christina Nielsen has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in global sports car racing since she began competition in North America in 2014.

Nielsen, 24, was a breakout star in 2015 during her first season in the GT Daytona (GTD) class of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the most prestigious sports car series in North America. She finished second in the championship standings, just two points behind the winner, and scored the most podium finishes in the class.

Denmark native Nielsen is racing for the GTD class championship in 2016 in a Ferrari 488 GT3 car. She earned her first career victory in the WeatherTech Championship in March at the 12 Hours of Sebring, becoming the first female class winner at that legendary race in a decade. She also is driving a Ferrari F458 Italia in the LM GTE class in the European Le Mans Series with Formula Racing.

A resident of Los Angeles, Nielsen is focused on being one of the most skilled, well-rounded drivers in global motorsport by also studying for a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management communication, as she aims to deliver results for her team and personal commercial partners both on and off the track.

For the latest news from Christina Nielsen, please visit christinanielsenracing.com.

For updates, like her on Facebook and follow @ChristinaRacing on Twitter.

Salemi runner up | Shakedown at the Summit

September 23, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Buffalo, NY based drag racing driver Melanie Salemi and her Melanie Salemi Motorsports Pro Mod team entered the 2016 Shakedown at the Summit last weekend with high expectations to take home the richest Pro Mod purse in the history of the class. Summit Motorsports Park Owner Bill Bader Jr. vowed to make the “Shakedown” a race that everyone would place on their schedules for years to come because simply “you just can’t afford not to be there.”

Salemi started the Shakedown at the Summit strong, netting a No. 4 qualifying position in the rain shortened program with a 5.91 at 238 mph. The weather cleared on Sunday morning and sun was shining, so it was time to “Put up or Shut up” in true Shakedown lingo.

Melanie stomped through the 24 car field with a string of 5.87 second performances, eliminating fellow competitors RubenT, Bruce Boland, and Billy Harper in her wake. In the semi final round, she dispatched fellow Canadian and friend Wes Goddard with a 5.86 @ 242 mph to Wes’ 5.87 at a fast 252 mph.

This set the Shakedown at the Summit finals to be a blower vs. turbo battle for the money and the glory. Salemi would match up against the turbocharged entry of Kevin Fiscus, and the pair left almost dead even in reaction time on the tree. But Fiscus pulled away after Melanie experienced tire shake at the hit, trying to pedal and regain traction to no avail.

Although it was not Melanie’s day for the big Shakedown at the Summit win, she showed her skill on the track all weekend and was stellar on the tree to advance through 4 tough rounds of competition.

I am just really excited that I get to race with these guys a lot of them have way more experience than me in these cars and I’m really happy that I can class myself as one of them,” stated Melanie. “My guys send me down the track with a perfectly prepared car each time and it makes my job that much easier. I don’t know if there is a harder working bunch of guys in this sport. We have had a lot going on the past couple of weeks and I owed it to Jon, Jim, Mike and the rest of our crew to do my job on the tree and go rounds last weekend.”

Although Melanie didn’t take home the Shakedown 14 title, she took home more experience in the ¼ mile and posted one of her best racing weekends to date in the books.

Watch for the Melanie Salemi Motorsports team at their next outing at Virginia Motorsports Park, October 21-22 at the 2016 PDRA World Finals and then their final event of 2016 will be The Street Car Super Nationals in Las Vegas November 17-20.

Mechanical issues sideline Katie Vernola

September 23, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Mechanical issues sideline Katie Vernola in round 9 of the WORCS series UTV race at Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, CA. The UTV offroad racer suffered bad luck and mechanical issues that kept her from the podium finish she was working towards.

She began the first race looking good, but her luck quickly turned for the worse when she suffered some mechanical issues that took her out of the race.

I got a good start, but was hit going into turn one still managing to hold second going into the second turn of the course. After we came around the turn all the sudden I started hearing what sounded like a bucket of bolts rattling and had no power, so I called my pit and let them know,” explained Vernola.

A quick response from her pit crew enabled Vernola to rebound for race number two.

Luckily Pete and his crew were able to work on the car between races.”

Vernola regrouped and returned for the pro race, putting in her best efforts. An on course incident where fellow competitor Jared Blitz hit Vernola from behind multiple times throughout the race, ended up causing damage to her exhaust and rear bumper. Despite the damage and stress, Vernola was able to finish the race in the No. 12 position out of 17 in the Pro STX Class.

I fought through the challenging course with no front wheel drive and no exhaust,” stated Vernola.

Though she did not have the finish she was looking for, Vernola stays full of positivity and thankful for any opportunity to get out on the track.

I am trying to get more seat time. I am not doing well in the points this year but the more seat time the better.”

Her next race will be at the Camp Lejeune Support our Troops Terracross in Jacksonville, NC October 1-2. Vernola will continue her training, improving her program, and looking for redemption leading into the event.

Meyer finishes 5 week tour

September 23, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Returning to the site of her first win in Top Alcohol Dragster, NHRA rookie standout Megan Meyer was ready to get back on top at the 9th Annual NHRA Carolina Nationals after a difficult 5-week race swing in her Racers Evolved A/Fuel Dragster.

This past weekend concluded our 5 week tour, from Brainerd to Charlotte. We struggled with some unexpected gremlins but we have made some necessary changes to get back to performing our best.”

The Randy Meyer Racing team has worked hard between the tough five-week swing to sort out the Racer’s Evolve Dragster. In the first round of qualifying, Meyers was up in smoke at the hit, aborting the run for a 14 second timeslip. Round 2, Meyer posted a 5.345 second, 275.17 mph performance, moving her up to the No. 9 position. In the third and final qualifying session, Megan Meyer was able to jump up the ladder with a 5.278 second, 277.49 mph pass which netted her the No. 3 final qualifying position for the event.

In eliminations, she faced Artie Allen in Round 1 of eliminations, taking an advantage at the tree with her 0.05 reaction and putting distance between them at every interval, with a 5.340 second, 278.69 mph performance.

Round two, she would face Shawn Cowie, but would not have lane choice. The first time these two competitors have met in competition, and Cowie would take a marginal lead at the tree. Meyer hazed the tires a bit, running an off-paced 5.433 second, 275.00 mph ET. Cowie would continue on for the eventual event win in Top Alcohol Dragster class for the NHRA Carolina Nationals.

We had 2 holes out at the hit, which slowed us down quite a bit.”

The Randy Meyer Racing team will next head to their final Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event in Noble, OK at Thunder Valley Raceway Park October 7-9.

National Business Women’s Day

September 22, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

September 22 is National Business Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than to highlight our Women in Motorsports Professionals!

National Business Women’s Day

National Business Women’s Day was born in 1983, when Congress passed a resolution, signed by President Ronald Reagan, declaring September 22nd the day for celebrating women’s place in the business world. It was also the historical date in 1949 that a group of Kansas City business women founded the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), an organization that today still brings women together for networking and support.

Women’s place in the business world has been growing throughout history. During World War II, women entered the business world previously only occupied by men to fill the needed roles left vacant by the men serving in the war efforts. However, when the men returned, many women who had excelled during their tenures, rejected the idea of returning exclusively to family and home.

Throughout history, women have shared a burning desire to do something even when odds were against them. Despite the long-standing glass ceiling that relegated them to the home life, women continue to climb the ladders and shatter the ceilings in their industries. Very much the same as women’s charge for success in the male-dominated motorsports world.

Women in Motorsports Spotlight

Get to know all the featured women of motorsports, who each have PERSERVERED, OVERCOME, CONQUERED, LEAD, AND INSPIRED in the world of automobiles, racing, and motorsport.