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Crew

You are here: Home / Archives for Crew

In the Clutch with Tinzy Aronson

April 20, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

In the Clutch with Tinzy Aronson

From spectator to specialist, Tinzy Aronson has had her head down for over a decade working hard to earn her accolades as one of the brightest and dedicated clutch specialists in drag racing.   One part of an inseparable racing power-couple, her greatest strengths were tested one year ago in the wake of a tragic accident that severely injured her husband – leaving Tinzy to rise up and take on the heavy lifting in his recovery, their business livelihood, and their daily lives.

The Beginning

Tinzy Aronson grew up in Montgomery, Texas, a small town 40 miles north of Houston.   She and her father often attended the races as spectators, checking out the action at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, TX.    It was at one such outing in November of 2005 that Tinzy would meet Cale Aronson: a young, up and coming second generation racer from Missouri.  Cale was there with his Outlaw 10.5 Mustang racing in the Clash of the Titans program, and the pair very quickly hit it off.

They began dating, and naturally, Tinzy would accompany Cale to many races, watching and becoming more familiar with the Outlaw 10.5 racing scene.  The two were inseparable, and as they grew together as a couple, so did Tinzy’s desire to be more involved in the team.

Cale loved that I was interested in racing, but he was very adamant that if I wanted to be involved, that I needed to dig in and learn everything.  There was no half-assing it.”

He would advise Tinzy to look to Shannon Glidden, long time right hand of Bill Glidden and one of the most capable crewmembers in all of motorsports, as inspirational role model.   Watching Shannon and Billy work together as a flawless unit at the races, Shannon’s confidence and grace working on a record-setting and highly competitive car were the benchmarks by which Tinzy modeled her own career aspirations and goals.

Learning the Ropes

Buried in the clutch for Tinzy AronsonTinzy began learning and working on the clutch at the Aronson Motorsport shop in 2006.  Cale and his father, Chuck, would spend hours in preparation for upcoming races, and Tinzy was beside them, taking it all in and tediously learning the ropes behind what the family did in their racing program.

Her first track experience came helping turn the motor over in the Outlaw 10.5 Mustang while Cale made adjustments to the clutch.   Slowly, as she gained experience and confidence in her skills, Tinzy would begin taking on more mechanical responsibilities.   The team sold the Outlaw 10.5 car, purchasing a Pro Stock Escort in 2008 for a jump to the Pro Stock world.

By then, Cale was staying so busy with trying to work on the clutch, reviewing the data, and making tuning calls, that things became really frantic in the pits.   I started taking over the mechanical side of the clutch maintenance and other duties on the car  to help him be able to focus more on tuning and reading the data.”

Setting the wheelie bar heightWhen they debuted Cale’s 2010 Pro Stock Mustang, Tinzy – now Cale’s right hand and fiancée (he popped the question in October 2007) was acting Car Chief on the car.   The two worked well together, while Cale made the tuning calls, Tinzy would handle the clutch and other maintenance, and Cale’s dad would focus on the engine and transmission maintenance.   Soon, people around the pits were really taking notice of Tinzy’s skill in the clutch, earning her the nickname “Clutch Girl” and recognition from track announcers as one of the hardest working, proficient clutch specialists in the business.  She is typically found in the pits covered in clutch dust and buried in the clutch can, stirring up a bit of unexpected attention from fans and fellow racers alike that marveled at the woman working behind the firewall.  The attention has come as a surprise to the very humble car chief, who doesn’t really understand what the fuss is about.

I think, if anything [being a woman car chief] gets you more attention than you deserve.   They see me working out there, and the announcers are making references to me as the “best clutch person on the property”, and I just don’t think I do anything special to deserve that kind of attention.”

The racing community and fans have all been very supportive and encouraging of her career, and really the only negative she has encountered are some comments on message boards based on her looks and photos.  For Tinzy, the most challenging part of her motorsports career has been balancing the constant demands of a close, family team.

When things aren’t going well at the track, it can be very tense in the pit.  I’ve had to learn to walk away and regroup.”

Tinzy Aronson is an international for-hire clutch specialist.But that family dynamic is also one of the most rewarding parts of her career as well.   Cale and Tinzy, who married in 2013, work alongside one another as race partners and soulmates.  They are always on the same page, working toward a common goal that often needs no words or explanation.   

Traveling together overseas, we work so well together.  Cale does the tuning, and I handle the mechanical side of things.  We fully trust in and compliment each other – he makes the calls, and I’m his eyes and ears and everything just goes smoothly.”

The Day Everything Changed

Tinzy Aronson and Cale AronsonFor most all racing couples, there is an acute awareness buried in the back of your mind of the dangers involved seeing your loved one going down the track.   But almost one year ago, on April 25th, 2015 at the IHRA Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tinzy would realize that sinking fear as she watched Cale’s routine pass in his 2010 Pro Stock Mustang veer out of control, sending him violently into the wall and sliding down the track on its lid.   Her heart sank as panic quickly set in for her soulmate, who had come to rest past the finishline, still on his roof..

On the starting line, I am always video recording the runs, so I don’t get to watch Cale’s passes the way others see them.  My head was focused down on the video camera screen, and I looked up when the car made the turn into the wall.”

Instantly, Tinzy and Chuck ran directly for the golf cart to take off down the track towards the wreck.   But track officials quickly jumped in and blocked them, not allowing them to be near the scene or the rescue efforts underway to get Cale out of the car.

I didn’t know it at the time, but Cale was alert and conscious through the whole crash, and  knew immediately what had happened to him.  He asked the first responders to not allow me or his dad down there until they had him out of the car.   And that is exactly what the track officials were doing by blocking us from going to him.”

Tinzy in the lanesThe waiting was agonizing for Tinzy and Chuck, standing by helplessly to hear word of his condition.   A flurry of medical and track personnel were painstakingly attending to him, but every second passing was an excruciating eternity for Tinzy, who could hear the rescue effort communications on the radio.

It felt like an eternity waiting… I could hear them talking on the radios, but no one was answering me.   Flashbacks of Bert Jackson’s wreck were racing through my mind… I didn’t know if he was dead or alive down there and every second was agonizing.”  

Finally, when they had extracted Cale from the car and immobilized him carefully onto the stretcher, Tinzy was rushed to his side.   

A thousand things were going through my mind, I didn’t know what to expect when I got down there.  He’s on the stretcher, no scratches, not bleeding… I was so relieved to see his face, to hear him.”   Tinzy said when she finally saw him.

She, of course, couldn’t see the extent of his injuries at first glance.  

I vaguely remember someone asking if he could feel his legs.   He said no, but I was still in shock and didn’t realize what was going on.  The track officials are telling me that they had called the life flight helicopter, and I couldn’t comprehend why or understand that his neck was actually broken.”

Cale was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Palm Beach.  He had a compression fracture of his C5 vertebrae and had damaged C6, his spinal cord was swollen and bruised slightly.  He underwent surgery 3 days later to repair the fractured vertebrae, but doctors had no answers for his long term prognosis.   He had some very light sensations indicating early connectivity in his toes and feet, but no signal function as he could not move his body below the chest.   

That’s when the drag racing community reached out with critical help for Tinzy and Cale.   Jerry Gwynn, whose son, Darrell suffered a spinal cord injury in a Top Fuel crash 25 years before, connected Tinzy to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.  Jackson Memorial is one of the leading spinal cord injury facilities in the country, whose work in research and development on paralysis cases and spinal cord injuries have been ground-breaking, and Tinzy made the decision to have Cale moved to Miami as soon as he was physically able to be transported.   

Spinal cord injuries are a fairly rare, specialized area of medicine.   When I asked about prognosis (at St. Mary’s), no answers were available.   If you are ever in a situation with spinal cord injury, find the best neurologist, and get there.   We were blessed that his accident happened 60 miles from one of the best care centers in the country.   I am so thankful to the Gwynn Family, and the Miami Project for leading the way in research and development for Cale’s care and recovery.  They have been truly amazing.”

Later analysis showed that Cale had struck the wall with 8Gs of force on impact, before the car rotated, slamming onto its roof, and sliding down the track.   Fully conscious during the entire crash, Cale said his HANS and other safety equipment did its job on the initial impact with the wall.  But it was the secondary impact of the car slamming onto its roof that critically injured the veteran racer.

When the car hit the wall, Cale said he was jolted sideways in the seat, and as it rotated, it came down on the roof with another 2.5Gs of force.  That force, combined with Cale’s own body weight, and the angle at which he came down inside the cage’s driver encapsulation exerted over 600 lbs of compression pressure on his neck, leaving a 2” crack in his helmet.  Seat belts are designed to keep you from being thrown forward or out of the car, but they aren’t designed to keep you from going UP.”

The Return Road

Tinzy Aronson never left Cale's sideThe recovery process, aka “The Return Road” –  has been slow and painfully frustrating at times, both for Cale AND Tinzy.   After over a month of care in Miami, the most difficult times came when they returned home and had to adjust to a very different life with the injury.   Rebuilding nerve pathways can be excruciatingly painful, and Cale’s limited mobility made regular day-to-day activities a challenge.

Coming home from the hospital is the hardest part of this entire experience.  With him not being able to move, and how much is affected by the central nervous system working, our first day home was terrible.  I had no idea how we were going to get through this, but we figured it out.  And as he has continued progressing, we were able to learn to manage the daily stuff into a new kind of normal.”

This left Tinzy to care for Cale, helping him to navigate daily activities and assume all the other tasks that Cale was no longer able to attend to on his own.   Household chores, therapy visits, and managing to keep them afloat while Cale was down fell onto Tinzy’s shoulders.

Picking up the added workloadTinzy’s role isn’t limited to just the Aronson Motorsports household/program either.   She is also a driving factor for the couple’s several business ventures:  Hot Rod Power Source, where they sell complete turn-key Ford crate engine programs and kits that convert to them, and Black Magic Clutches where they offer clutch development, setup and tuning all around the world.   While still in the hospital, Tinzy and Cale were still having to operate these businesses via email.  He was lying in the hospital bed, while doctors monitored his condition, and Tinzy was there in the clutch of tragedy around them, still conducting business despite it all.   The stress was extremely trying for Tinzy, who buckled down and bore the weight of the answering emails, fulfilling orders and all of the other tasks that Cale wasn’t able to handle in his injured state.    Doctors were amazed at their determination and dedication to the sport.   Tinzy also has her own line of unique gifts and accessories called Clutch Girl Gear, though it has taken a back seat temporarily after the accident.  

Now that things are starting to settle down some, with Cale making more and more progress in his mobility, the couple’s attention has turned back to the Pro Stock car and really understanding what happened to cause his injuries.  He has carefully climbed back in the car, belted in with his helmet on to see what they could do to prevent his spinal cord injury in the future, and they are now working with DJ Safety on new seat belt design that would secure drivers better in the event of a roll-over impact..   

In the wake of Cale’s accident and Barrett Lyle – I think we ALL need to be taking a look a safety equipment, not just from the standpoint of what is mandated, but sitting in the car and really looking around and evaluating your environment and equipment.  Address potential issues and find ways to help reduce the risks of injury.”

As these cars continue to go faster and faster, safety has to be paramount in the minds of racers and crew. But after seeing your loved one involved and injured in something as serious as Cale’s accident, the worry and fear increases.   Cale, who initially said he wouldn’t be racing again, now is working hard on recovery and plans to return to driving as soon as his doctors will allow it.  Racing friends have even begun donating parts to rebuild the damage to Cale’s Pro Stock.    But for Tinzy, that day will be a tough one filled with mixed emotions.

It makes me incredibly nervous (for Cale to race again), but racing is so very important to him and his love in life, and driving again is a monster that he wants to beat.”

Moving Forward

TTinzy Aronson working on the clutchinzy’s own future goals include learning more about the tuning side of things, to be able to read the total picture and fine tune the car herself.    The Horsepower & Heels 2015 Crew Woman of the Year hopes that someday, she will be able to inspire others much like Shannon served as her role model.   She adds these words of advice:

Take in and learn everything you can. Absorb everything around you.  Ask questions and be open to learning from others.   When you do get some knowledge under your belt, don’t get overly confident and think you know it all.   And don’t develope a chip on your shoulder about being a woman in the sport, work hard and earn respect that way.”

As for Cale and Tinzy, who now have been inseparable for over a decade, the question often arises – will there be a future crew member to carry on the family motorsports legacy?   The couple, known for their affinity for all things “Minion”, have yet to have their own little minion running around the pits.

Tinzy laughed, “John Kaase asks us all the time, he is looking for his 3rd generation customer.”  

We just will have to wait and see….  

Category: Featured, Pit FeaturesTag: Crew, Drag Racing, IHRA, Pro Stock, Tinzy Aronson, Women in Motorsports, Women Racing

Feature: Staci Hunter

July 29, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

One of the earliest forms of women’s involvement in drag racing dates back to the 1960’s, when the popularity and notoriety of the Back-up Girl phenomenon was born.   Today, the modern back-up girl is still an integral part of drag racing culture, and Alberta, Canada’s Staci Hunter is a pro in the game.

1-on-1 with Back Up Girl Staci Hunter

Staci HunterName:  Staci Hunter
Age:  35 years old
Home Town:  Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Occupation:  House Flipper / Stay at home mom

Racing Stats

How she got her start:  

Backing up Top Alchol Funny Car 11 years ago

Currently:

Back up Girl (BUG), Synoil / Exact Air TAFC
Chassis Brad Hadman
Body Roush Carbon Fibre
Engine BAE 526 ci. 3000 HP
Low E.T 5.60 @ 261 mph
Driver Greg Hunter

Honors:

 I was honored with being one of the back up girls finalist on a DRBUG facebook page.  The Synoil/ Exact Air TAFC took home a Wally in Mission B.C last Season.

Q & A

What got you interested in Racing?  How did you begin to break into the sport?

I was actually introduced to racing about 13 years ago, when Greg, (my Husband)  took me out to the shop to show me his TAFC.  To be honest, I knew nothing about the sport until I went to a race, instantly I was hooked.  I knew that racing would be a big part of my life from that moment on.  I watched Greg race a couple of times and I knew that I wanted to be more involved doing whatever I could,  My first Duty that he asked me to do, was to back him up.  I, of course, said absolutely, but don’t run me over!  LOL

What did it take to get involved as a Back-up Girl?

I don’t have any formal training in the sport. I find that listening to our crew and fellow racers, is always a great learning tool.  The thing I love about this sport, is that everyone is super competitive on the starting line, but back in the pits, everyone is like family.

What do your duties as Back Up Girl involve at a typical race?

My main responsibility at the track is making sure Greg is in the grove when I back him up. I don’t want him crashing into the wall or crossing the center line because I didn’t do my best. I also love playing hostess in our pit area by making everyone feel welcome.  We love having sponsors, fans, friends and family in our pit area. Win or lose we have a great time and want to make a memorable experience for everyone.  I also do a lot of work behind the scenes doing some of the accounting and social media updates for the team.

Back up Girl Staci HunterWhat have been some unique experiences you’ve had as a woman in the sport?

I find myself noticing how much respect and each team has for one another whether you’re male or female.   I have watched women become accepted and successful in the sport of Drag Racing.  Its also a great bonding experience meeting other women from other teams.  I am sure I have received some form of criticism. In some ways I actually expect it, being that I put myself out there.  I have no problem putting on a Halloween costume and running out onto the track to back Greg up, its all in good fun and part of the show.  I expect the odd eye roll or comment but never let it bother me.  Sometimes stepping out of the “normal” is what makes you a stronger person.  All in All, my experiences have all been positive ones.

Was there any non-racing related training you received that helped to make you successful?

I can’t believe I am actually repeating this, but I think the public speaking class that I had to take when I was in college has actually helped me come out of my shell.  Although I must admit, it was my least favorite class, at the time, and  I dreaded going to it.

Hunter Drag Racing FamilyHow does the sport/sponsors view your commitments to family?   Does it make it more difficult?   What advice would you give to moms wanting to continue a career in motorsports post motherhood?

I have two incredible kids, one boy, one girl.  Racing with children can be challenging but it’s not impossible.  When there is a will, there is a way.  We are fortunate enough to have amazing people surrounding us that are willing to help out and watch our kids during a race weekend, if we have to leave during school.  We love bringing them to the track during the summer and when school is out.  We believe that racing is a great family sport and take advantage of that when we can.  Its all about finding a great balance.

What things did you learn along the way that would be useful to another woman who is looking to start or further her career in motorsports?

Don’t let fear or intimidation stop you from trying new things.  If you love this sport, listen and learn and follow your heart to chose your role and give it your very best.  The great thing about racing is that its a Team sport and there are so many different roles that intertwine together to make it a successful team.

What are your future plans and goals?

To be the best back up girl and win, win, win! lol.   I plan on taking every opportunity that comes my way in motorsports and making them count.

 

Category: Pit FeaturesTag: Crew, Drag Racing, Staci Hunter

Helping Dan Parker

May 2, 2012 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Dan ParkerThis post is one that comes with great sadness.

I regularly post different causes that I support, asking for help for things that are important to me, but none have ever hit quite so close to home as this one.

Dan Parker, a wonderful friend and mentor to me for over 10 years now, was seriously injured in a pro modified wreck on March 31, 2012  at Alabama International Raceway in Steele, AL.  Though his limbs and other physical injuries will heal with therapy, he has suffered a life-altering irreversible loss of his eye sight in both eyes.

This is heartbreaking news, as Dan is one of the most talented chassis builders/fabricators and tuners around.  Dan was the person who taught and helped me to cross over into the pro modified world, and I owe so much of my racing experience to him.   He is a great and generous man who has helped countless people.   Words cannot express how saddened I am that this happened.

I’m asking as a personal favor… Dan is going to need some help to get adjusted to all of this.   In addition to your continued thoughts and prayers, he’s really going to need some assistance at home with expenses, as he’ll be unable to return to the work he’s known his entire life.

I’ve been working on some new Horsepower & Heels merch, and I plan to donate some of the proceeds from that to him directly.   But in the mean time, here’s some other ways to help out below.   I’m sure him and his family would greatly appreciate it.

How to Help Dan Parker

Donations are being accepted via paypal at jduck72@live.com.   Any amount is appreciated.   Or, you can mail gift cards and other donations directly to  10692 Lee Rd 179  Salem, AL 36874

Golf Cart Raffle

His close friends and several businesses that he’s be associated with over the years have put together a special raffle for a custom EZ-GO golf cart worth over $4,000 complete with custom wheels/tires, custom lights, flip rear seat, and a body color of their choice.   Tickets for the raffle are $100, and all money goes directly to Dan to offset expenses in his time of need.   The raffle winner will be drawn July 2nd at Silver Dollar Raceway following the NWO race, right around Dan’s birthday.

How to Enter

You must send $100 entry as a donation/gift via paypal to jduck76@live.com (Josh Mack, Parker Chassis price checker).  Please include name, address, and phone number(s).     As each donation is received, a ticket number will be issued.

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Crew, Special Causes

A photo says a thousand words

May 5, 2009 //  by Horsepower & Heels

In addition to the crew chiefs and drivers, one of the other groups of greatly talented professionals you get to meet at the racetrack every weekend are the guys and gals that are risking their butts hanging on the guardwalls to give us great images of the action. Though I know absolutely NOTHING about photography aside from point-and-click, I’ve always had great respect for these guys and gals, and always truly admire their work.
Sports Photographer Mark Rebilas

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting my absolute favorite Professional Sports Photographer, Mark Rebilas. I’ve been a fan of his and have been following his work for quite awhile now, but I didn’t realize how cool a guy he actually is until recently.

Mark hails from Phoenix, AZ; the son of photographer Gil Rebilas, who first put a camera in his son’s hands at age 10. Mark quickly learned the trade, enlisting as a Photographer for the US Navy, and leading a team of 22 photographers on an aircraft carrier during a wartime deployment across the world.
Now, you can find him high above the tri-oval at NASCAR races, capturing some of the crazy crashes, or on the sidelines at baseball games and a wide variety of other sports. A very recognized name in the business, Mark’s won the NMPA Motorsports Photographer of the Year award twice, and has been featured all over the industry in ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and many other publications. Mark has also covered a few drag racing events, and his images are absolutely stunning. His photo blog is really impressive, and tells a great story about the events he covers. Though he told me he originally started the blog for other photographers, any sports fan can really appreciate his detailed blogging style and the great story his images tell.
Someof my favorites are the unique portraits he’s done with my favorite NHRA drivers. His approach is drastically different from our regular drag racing photographers, and from what he outlines in his blogs, his techniques are much more complicated and a lot harder work. But the results are amazing:
Angelle Sampey
Angelle Sampey last season in the staging lanes
Now-retired Funny Car driver Gary Scelzi

The action shots are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. With drag racing being the fastest moving of all the motorsports, I imagine its quite difficult to catch all the action coming at you at 300mph. But these are just the most vivid and spectacular I’ve ever seen…

Robert Hight
Robert Hight in Nitro Funny Car
Tony Schumacher explosion
Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel
Fuel Altered explosion
Fuel Altered Engine Explosion at March Meet

Clearly, I don’t have to do much talking. His work speaks rather breathlessly for itself. I couldn’t possibly post all of my favorites, so you really need to head on over to his blog to check them all out.

Other than the fact he drives a Corvette (::groan::), Mark is one of the coolest people I’ve had a chance to hang out with in some time! I’ve already made him promise that if I strike the lotto and go Top Fuel racing, he’s going to be the official Photographer with sole mission to make me look like a resident bad ass! Thanks, Mark!

Check out Mark’s Blog: www.markjrebilas.com/blog
Or better yet, subscribe to it free
here.

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Crew, Drag Racing, Press

Horsepower & Heels TV: The Mustang

June 9, 2008 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Episode 2: Watch the Horsepower & Heels team as they work on their new Twin Turbo Mustang Pro Mod.

Horsepower & Heels TV: The Mustang

Category: VideosTag: Crew, H&H TV, In the Shop

Horsepower & Heels TV: Erica & Debbie

May 28, 2008 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Episode 1: Meet the Horsepower & Heels team and learn about their goals for the race season.

Horsepower & Heels TV: Meet Erica and Debbie

Category: VideosTag: Crew, H&H TV, Women Racing

On the road again

July 29, 2007 //  by Horsepower & Heels

A lot has been happening for our team lately. Namely, we dropped off the racecar in South Florida for its next steps toward completion. It has seemed like the list of roadblocks has been neverending, but I know that each step gets us one step closer, so I continue on relentlessly each day.

With my new job, I don’t have any vacation time off yet, so even though South FL is quite the hike from my current N. AL residence, the earliest I could leave was Friday afternoon after work. When I came home to hook up to the trailer, I discovered that the trailer lights were not working. So Porkchop and Skippy tried for several hours to find the culprit wire that was shorting out the entire system. Finally, around 9pm they got the fix. That’s 4 hours of roadtime lost, and it meant me driving straight through the night to stay in my time constraints. Thankfully, I was able to convince Porkchop to abandon his weekend plans and help me make the drive down. (what a nice guy!)

Our first stop was Jacksonville, FL to pick up Horsepower & Heels teammate Debbie. The plan had been for me to crash there for the night around 2am, but with my trailer nightmare, we arrived instead at 6:30am. A brief nap, and the three of us were on the road to South FL. About 20 minutes into the trip, we hit rain so hard we couldn’t see 10 feet in front of the truck. After some tense moments, we were finally out of the storm and passing through Daytona Beach. It reminded me that its been several YEARS since I enjoyed a REAL vacation… and how crazy my racing life has become that all my regular vacation time is rationed throughout the year to allow me working my butt off from one racetrack to another. Somedays I long to leave this crazy obession behind for a nice trip to a cozy little tropical island…. but then I remember that the sacrifices I make are all for my absolute passion and well worth it.

So we made the drop off and got turned back around at 4pm towards our 3rd stop on the tour… my mother’s house. Nevermind that Orlando is about an hour off-course, if that little 76 year old spitfire would’ve found out that her little one was in FL and didn’t come see her, I would be a dead little driver. But first, I had two passengers in the truck about to throw me out the window if I didn’t stop and get them food. So on the exit to Hwy 520, I see a sign for Olive Garden and decide that some Italian sounds good. Thinking that it would be just a few tenths of a mile off the interstate, I make the turn off and head toward where the sign pointed.

About 10 miles, 2 bridges over the Intercoastal, and a bunch of tight spots, we managed to find the Olive Garden and I get the trailer parked. Its packed, so the three of us sit at the bar as Debbie entertains us with stories about her past. Despite having less than 3 hours sleep, we manage to eat and make it to my mom’s before 10pm. After a far too brief visit there, we still have another 2 1/2 hours back to Jacksonville. We arrive exhausted around 1:30am. That’s more than 24 hours straight that Chop and I have been in a truck, and an impressive 14 hours for stir-crazy Debbie. (and she’s gonna be my traveling partner to the races? Whew… better break her in easy while I can.)

Now I managed to post a life best sleep in record of nearly noon… normally, I can’t sleep that long regardless of my level of sleep deprivation. So after a brief brunch…(can you still call it that at 1pm?) at my all time favorite (and sorely missed) restaurant, Bob Evans, we make the drive home.

We rolled into Grant at midnight Sunday night. I was also quickly assured that the next time I asked for a small “favor” and offered an exciting trip to FL in return, that the answer was definitely NO.

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Crew, Road Trip

Promo Shoot: Team Shots Focus Firm 7/2005

July 31, 2005 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Columbus, GA–

A few of the girls from Horsepower & Heels got together to do some promo shots that will accompany several new Horsepower & Heels articles, website updates, and other normal activities.  Check out some of our favorites from the shoot!

[imagebrowser id=15]

 

Photos by: Focus Firm

Category: PhotosTag: Crew, Horsepower & Heels, Press, Women Racing

A Fresh Perspective

June 30, 2005 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Heather Sinks
Heather Sinks

Its hard to remember back to the beginning, back to your very first drag racing experience. Some of us were lucky enough to call the drag strip home all our lives, having family whose involvement in racing was passed along to the next generation of racers. Others came across it on their own terms, through car clubs, magazines, or simply by accident. No matter what brought you to your first racetrack, one common result ensues for all: Its only a matter of time before you’re hooked.

This past weekend, I was refreshingly reminded of what the first time at the drag races feels like. My best friend since elementary school, Heather Sinks, made the trip down to Richmond FFW from her home in D.C. to spend the weekend at the races with me. Having never been to a drag race before, Heather had no clue what to expect. While most of us experience our first race from the safety of the stands, her first experience placed her in the thick of things, along side the crew of a Pro 5.0 entry. After all my years of involvement in racing with Fun Ford Weekend, I tend to take for granted how foreign it all seemed in the beginning. Which is why Heather’s first experience brought me back to the early days and the rosy colored glasses. Here are some of the best anecdotes from Heather’s weekend:

“Why do the fast cars need training wheels?”
That’s right, training wheels. Or what us seasoned veterans refer to as Wheelie Bars. Although, quite honestly a set of training wheels for some drivers would not necessarily be a bad thing either.

“The back tires are bald. Why don’t they have any tread?”
Valid point. In daily driving, bald tires are a bad, bad thing. Which makes it all the more complicated to explain why slicks help get the car to hook and NOT spin, and why drag radials (with treads) are the hardest tire to master and not spin to smoke. On the road, bald tires will make travels a slippery experience. But not at the drag strip…

“Why do they sit there and make the cars smoke?”
Ahh, the smoke. And the people who sit there and willfully inhale it. Drag Racing is one of the few locations where second hand smoke is the most desired experience second only to the first-hand inhale of your own tire smoke. Yes, burnout smoke, which incidentally most of us probably have amassed enough rubber particles in our lungs to have our own Mickey Thompson slick bouncing around, is a drag racing anomaly that the ‘normal’ folks don’t quite understand.

“Why are the front tires so much smaller than the rear?”
Well, besides the fact that they are kinda funny looking that way, I can see why that would be a source of wonder. They tell you not to drive a spare donut tire faster than 55 mph or risk serious injury, and drag racers willfully strap two on the front of a 200 mph car? What’s up with that?

“What are those bags on the back of the car?”
Those neatly (or NOT) packed bags are parachutes.

“Parachutes? Like the ones you don’t want to use on a plane?”
Exactly. Only these help stop the car.

“Don’t they have brakes?”
Well, yes. But these help stop faster than brakes alone when cars are going faster than 150 mph.

“Why do the faster cars get pulled to the starting line, why can’t they drive up?”
That’s a good question, I mean one would think that such an expensive car should at least be able to make a trip around the block. I guess that brings the term fuel economical to the next level.

“These things cost HOW MUCH?!?!”
No explanation needed. And no, you’ll never win enough to pay for them.

“Do these run on gas like regular cars do?”
Well yes, sort of. Not exactly the regular unleaded you find at your local Exxon, and theres a whole lot more than a “tiger” in your tank. You complain that gas is too expensive at the pump these days?… try $15 a GALLON and you have to pump it out of a drum, carry it to the car and pour it in manually! That takes Self-Serve to a new level.

“What is that hissing sound and that air they spray out on the windshield?”
What, a nitrous purge? That means they need a big weight break and are about to burn up a piston trying to keep up with a turbo car. [kidding] No, seriously, its something they spray into the motor to make it go faster.

“Isn’t that cheating?”
[Wise beyond her years, isn’t she?] No, not always, but most of the ones that are, you probably aren’t going to catch. -AND- just to be sure and careful (because nowadays you can never be too sure), contrary to what you may have seen on TV or in Hollywood, its called Nitrous NOT NAAAAWWSS.

“Why do they have to wear gloves and that funky outfit?”
Unfortunately, you’d think that today’s fashion forward world would have an answer to fashionable safety wear. Really, the unglamourous truth is they don’t want to be burned, so instead they slow cook in a 5 layer driving suit and an unair-conditioned crock pot. Hello, VERSACE?!? Please make us over! And why can’t they use that Dri-fit technology for a meaningful purpose!

“What are all the fans and the leaf blower for?”
Well, to help cool the ‘crock pot’ back down.

“Are you going back up there right away?”
No, we have about 2-3 hours between rounds.

“So all this for a car that runs for 6 seconds and then gets shut off and towed back?”
[long pause] Well, yea. That’s pretty much it.

“Okaaaay, then.”

By Saturday night, Heather’s outlook had already changed towards drag racing. She started off only knowing that she drove a mustang, and nothing else. But like so many others, the smoke was addicting, and she was already hooked. A few Saturday night Pit Party beverages later, she was telling everyone she wanted to jump in there and “smoke” her own tires….

…But only if she could do it in heels.

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Crew, Drag Racing, FFW, Races, Women Racing

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