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Female Rookie of the Year 2016

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The Female Rookie of the Year 2016 category received 19 nominations and 39 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.   The winner pulled out an early lead, and captured over 30% of the votes.

Runner up at Heartland Park Topeka for Megan Meyer
 

Female Rookie of the Year 2016 – Megan Meyer

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the 2016 Female Rookie of the Year,  NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver, Megan Meyer!  

Megan, in her first full season in the competitive Top Alcohol Dragster class, took her A/Fuel Racer’s Evolved Dragster to six final rounds, capturing her first win in Charlotte, and five runner-up finishes.   She earned the top qualifying position twice, and finished the season in the No. 4 position Nationally, and No 2. Regionally. 

Megan also captured several other awards, including Best Appearing Car in Gainesville, and Best Appearing Crew honors in Charlotte.     Though only a rookie herself, her poise helped welcome sister Rachel Meyer to the seat as well as mentoring other drivers who partnered with Randy Meyer Racing to earn their TAD license. 

She returns in 2017 to TAD with the goal of capturing that first championship in the class.   Meyer will be joined by sister Rachel mid-season, and the team will also host and mentor Justin Ashley for his TAD debut.  

Runner Up – Melissa Surber

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Melissa Surber was your Rookie of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearFemale Rookie of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • Krista Baldwin
  • Kayli Barker
  • Heather Carter
  • Lexi Fruggiero
  • Mia Chapman
  • Rachel Meyer
  • Journee Richardson
  • Sarah Edwards
  • Shannon Giust
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Kassidy Kreitz
  • Brittany Force
  • Jennifer Pratt 
  • Melissa Urist
  • Shelley Molea
  • Jennifer Pratt
  • Janette Thornley

Female Professional of the Year 2016

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The Female Professional of the Year 2016 category was the most hotly contested race in this year’s award program.   The category received 34 nominations and 209 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.      This year, two automotive industry professionals battled it out for the top spot, and a late rally determined your Professional of the Year for 2016.

Professional of the Year 2016 – Courtney Lambert

Courtney LambertHorsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Professional of the Year 2016 – motorcycle industry staple, Courtney Lambert!

An always smiling, familiar face in the motorcycle industry, Courtney Lambert stays entrenched in all things two-wheels.   Whether you find her traveling the roads avoiding mayhem with Allstate, behind the counter at Kory Souza Originals, or over the airwaves on her very own radio show, she knows only one pace in life, Wide Open.   Her busy schedule takes her across the country, to bike weeks and rallies as a Allstate Insurance spokesperson doing stage shows and emceeing national events.   

Courtney began hosting her own talk radio show about motorcycles called Wide Open Radio in 2010, and regularly features motorcycle industry talent and icons to the show.     Courtney also manages the frontend of Kory Souza Originals, taking care of all the phone calls, billing, foot traffic, marketing, events, product releases and some of the sales for her other half – custom builder, Kory Souza.   

Professional of the Year 2016 Runner Up –  Jessica Kennedy

Shotgun Shocks Go-To Girl, Jessica Kennedy, is your Professional of the Year 2016 Runner-up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Professional of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearErica Enders
  • Janette Thornley
  • Sarah Burgess
  • Leah Pritchett
  • Heather Carter
  • Elaine Larsen
  • Courtney Force
  • Kayli Barker
  • Alexis DeJoria
  • Shannon Giust
  • Alex Rogeo
  • Terri Chandler
  • Dina Parise
  • Sarah Edwards
  • Angelle Sampey
  • Melanie Salemi
  • Sara Price
  • Danica Patrick
  • Ellen Eschenbacher
  • Mia Tedesco
  • Lizzy Musi
  • Christy Miller
  • Megan Meyer
  • Valerie Clemens
  • Aileen Collins-Love
  • Elisa Coon
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Ashley Force-Hood
  • Annie Whiteley
  • Brittany Force
  • Annette Bauer

Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016

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The Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 category received 28 nominations and 85 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    These are women who not only excel in their fields, but also serve as ambassadors and help encourage and influence women in automotive and motorsports.   This was one of the tightest races in the history of the awards, and at the end, it was a deadlocked decision.

Shirley MuldowneyMost Influential Woman of the Year 2016 – Shirley Muldowney/Erica Enders

Erica Enders-Stevens hoists WallyA dead even finish resulted in the first two-way tie for the Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 category winner.   Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the 2016 Women of the Year Most Influential category winners – Shirley Muldowney and Erica Enders!

Both of these NHRA Drag Racing ladies have made considerable contributions to the sport.   Shirley Muldowney was one of the ground breaking women that helped to usher in female participation to the sport, winning countless races and championships in her time at the highest level of Top Fuel.      Erica Enders is the modern day champion, a two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, and one of the most prolific winning women in racing today.  

Courtney Lambert and Kory SouzaMost Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Runner Up –  Jessica Kennedy/Courtney Lambert

Jessica KennedyWhere the women of drag racing dead-locked for the top spot, the women of the motorcycle world tied up the runner-up position.    Shotgun Shock owner and go-to gal Jessica Kennedy, and Kory Souza Originals and Allstate Motorcycle spokesperson Courtney Lambert tied for the 2016 Horsepower & Heels Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Runner Up positions.

2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearMost Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • Kayli Barker
  • Elaine Larsen
  • Janette Thornley
  • Cheryl Hryn
  • Terri Chandler
  • Sarah Burgess
  • Leah Pritchett
  • Courtney Force
  • Sarah Boyce
  • Alexis DeJoria
  • Kate Gundlach
  • Brittany Force
  • Shannon Giust
  • Aileen Collins-Love
  • Annamarie Strawhand
  • Sara Price
  • Marina Anderson
  • Megan Meyer
  • Ellen Eschenbacher
  • Karen Sullivan
  • Susan Roush
  • Ariel Biggs

Female Racer of the Year 2016

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Female Racer of the Year category received 41 nominations and 112 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    This category had an early front-runner, with a few solid challengers through out, but was able to hold strong until the close.

 

Female Racer of the Year 2016 – Janette Thornley

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Racer of the Year 2016 category – Harley Pro Fuel racer, Janette Thornley. janette thornley

Last year, she finished in the runner up position, but this year, her fans shot her up to the number one spot.   Congratulations to Janette! 

Female Racer of the Year 2016 Runner Up –  Aileen Collins-Love

Sprint Car racer Aileen Collins-Love was your Female Racer of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.  

Female Racer of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearErica Enders
  • Melanie Salemi
  • Kayli Barker
  • Heather Carter
  • Leah Pritchett
  • Elaine Larsen
  • Nina Gusler
  • Lilian Cacioppo
  • Shannon Giust
  • Alexis DeJoria
  • Cheryl Hryn
  • Angelle Sampey
  • Jessi Combs
  • Jackie Fricke
  • Pippa Mann
  • Courtney Force
  • Amber Balcaen
  • Sarah Burgess
  • Vonnie Mills
  • Donna Gerstel
  • Jody Perewitz
  • Shanna Snyder
  • Michelle Furr
  • Mia Tedesco
  • Sarah Edwards
  • McKenna Haase
  • Brittany Force
  • Danica Patrick
  • Journee Richardson
  • Afton Swanson
  • Sondra Leslie
  • Sarah Boyce
  • Yvonne Lucas
  • Lexi Fruggiero
  • Laura Landry
  • Megan Meyer
  • Lilian Cacioppo
  • Mali Greenfield

 

 

 

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016

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The Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 category received 25 nominations and 54 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    This category recognizes the team that contributes the most to women in motorsports.    An early front runner set the stage, but another nominee closed the gap for a 2 vote victory.

Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 – Randy Meyer Racing

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Women of the Year Female Motorsport Team  of the Year 2016 category – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Super Team, Randy Meyer Racing.    Home of Meyer Sister Racing duo Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer, the family TAD dynasty Randy Meyer Racing began with father Randy and has now debuted rising talent in rookie daughters Megan and Rachel.    The team regularly assists other young developing drivers with licensing and TAD debuts.   

Megan Meyer completed her first full season in the TAD class for 2016, with Rachel Meyer making her TAD debut mid-season.    Both ladies are instrumental behind the scenes as well, crewing and maintaining the family business.   Rachel will make her full-season debut with a new dragster in 2017, and the team plans to continue their winning legacy in the class.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Dream Chaser Racin’

The Harley Pro Fuel team of Janette Thornley, Dream Chaser Racin’ is your Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearLarsen Motorsports
  • Elite Motorsports
  • Miss Behaving Racing
  • Hellion B Team
  • John Force Racing
  • Alexis DeJoria Racing
  • Melanie Salemi Motorsports
  • BMI Racing
  • Terri Chandler
  • Shannon Giust
  • Love Motorsports
  • Car Chix
  • Kayli Barker Racing
  • Cheryl Hryn Racing
  • Show N Tell Racing
  • Speed Sisters
  • Nancy Matter Motorsports
  • Cars Protection Plus
  • Boyce Racing
  • Sarah Burgess Racing
  • Karri Beebe Racing
  • Mad Mike Molea Racing

Kayli Barker to Lucas Oil Modifieds

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Kayli BarkerLas Vegas NASCAR® Whelen All-American Series Champion, Kayli Barker is set to run in the Lucas Oil Modifeds Military and Veterans Appreciation Night on May 21, 2016 at the Las Vegas Bullring thanks to a recently announced sponsorship by Las Vegas Car and Truck.

Las Vegas Car & Truck stepped up to support Kayli Barker’s career and continued success in April, and have committed to backing her run in the Lucas Oil Modified Annual Military and Veterans Appreciation Night.

Barker made her debut run in the Modified category in November of 2015 at the Las Vegas Bullring and has won nearly 50 main events and a Super Stock Championship on the track. In addition to running the Modified race, she will be pulling double-duty, also running in the Super Late Model main on the same evening.   She currently is the lone female driver on the roster for the Modifieds in the 75 lap main event on May 21, 2016.

I’m looking forward to the challenge of running the two very different cars that night,” says Kayli.   “The modified is about 350 pounds lighter than “Monster” my Super Late Model and also has a smaller harder tire which limits the amount of usable horsepower. The real challenge is good car control and tire management on my part, but I am confident and eager to get back in the Modified.”

Kayli Barker to Lucas Oil ModifiedsWith her aspirations set on racing in the NASCAR® Truck Series, the eighteen year-old driver has already celebrated many milestones in her career, including being the 1st female driver to win three track championships in Las Vegas history and being the youngest female driver to win a NASCAR® Whelen All-American series race. In addition to her accomplishments on the track, Barker has been awarded the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Leadership Award and NASCAR® UNOH Youth Achievement Award.

Kayli’s championship performance and proven success as a Late Model Series Driver has shown that she is ready to step up to the Modifieds and we’re pleased to be able to provide that opportunity for her,” said Dan Walker, Principal Owner of Las Vegas Car & Truck.  “Her aspirations include joining the ranks of NASCAR®’s Truck Series and moving Kayli Barker to Lucas Oil Modifieds is a vertical step in helping her achieve that goal. Kayli is a positive role model for young racers alike and is an inspiration for all young adults who desire to win and conquer in life. One of our company’s core values is supporting our local Las Vegas community and people like Kayli that make a positive impression on our valley’s youth. As a Christian faith based business we’re proud to support that Kayli’s Christian faith is a strong moral compass throughout her life.”

Currently a freshman at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Kayli Barker made her NASCAR® Whelen Series debut in 2012 and brings a strong resume to the 2016 season. Barker will be racing her Dana Stahl, 2014 Chevy SS NASCAR® Super Late Model for the 2016 season and is hopeful for a continued slot on the Lucas Oil Modified H-Town Racing Roster for the remainder of the 2016 Lucas Oil Modified season.

Chix Gear Fast 15 team announced

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Chix Gear Fast 15 team 2016Chix Gear Racewear just announced their Chix Gear Fast 15 team for the 2016 season.   The annual contest selects 15 female racers onto the Chix Gear backed Fast 15 team   A total of 242 applications were received for the 2016 contest.

It was a very hard decision and there were SO many great applicants. There is an amazing amount of professionalism and talent in this group of 15.” – Chix Gear Racewear

Follow the success of the Chix Gear Fast 15 team all season long on the new Chix Gear Fast 15 team Facebook page, so make sure to “LIKE” that page!

Chix Gear Fast 15 team

Jenna Johnson – Dirt Late Model, Iowa
McKenna Haase – Sprint Car, Iowa
Tara Longnecker – Bmod, Iowa
Megan Manshack – ATV, Ohio
Lexy VanZandt – BMod, Missouri
Kayli Barker – Asphalt Late Model, Nevada
Shayle Bade – Sprint Car, Nebraska
Brianna Mahon – Monster Truck, Illinois
Savannah Trantham – Sprint Car, Texas
Mandy Chick – Asphalt Late Model – Kansas
Ashley Strickland – Drag Racer, North Carolina
Ashley Capetta – Sprint Car, Pennsylvania
Bri Bandimere – Drag Racer, Colorado
Sarah Burgess – Off Road Truck, California
Skyler Allen – Micro Sprint Car, Kansas

13 female racers Drive for Diversity

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Drive for Diversity Combine13 female racers will have three days to compete for a spot in the top driver development program, NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D), taking place at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va., Oct. 19-21, 2015.   In total, 22 drivers were selected to take part in the combine.

The D4D program, currently in its 12th year, invites promising ethnically diverse and female drivers, ages 14 to 26, from across North America to test their skills over a three-day period in an annual combine order to select the newest members of the program for the following year.   Drivers are evaluated on their driving skills and strength and agility exercises. Those identified during the combine will take part in the diversity program for 2016.

“Finding and developing diverse athletes who will represent the future of NASCAR is at the core of our organization’s mission,” said NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Jim Cassidy. “Every year, the bar is raised with talented applicants who have the potential and determination to succeed. We’re proud to watch our graduates in the national series and develop more diverse talent to join them in the years to come.”

Rev Racing, the Max Siegel-owned race team, partners with the D4D program to offer racing opportunities in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE) and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) for one full season, providing drivers with equipment, mentoring, and competition experience.

“We could not be more excited about this year’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine to select the 2016 Class of Rev Racing drivers,” said team CEO Max Siegel. “Coming off of our 6th consecutive multiple race winning season, we are focused on continuing to make our program and approach world-class, as we prepare these young drivers to advance into the national series.”

This year, 13 female racers Drive for Diversity, including the youngest combine participant ever at 14 years old, Macy Causey.

Fans can follow the Combine live on Twitter at @NASCARDiversity and @RevRacing.

Women of the 12th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine

  1.  Hannah Adair, 21      Tusla, OK
  2. Kayli Barker, 18     Las Vegas, NV
  3. Nicole Behar, 17     Otis Orchards, WA
  4. Macy Causey, 14     Yorktown, VA
  5. Madeline Crane, 17     Meansville, GA
  6. Claire Decker, 20     Eagle River, WI
  7. Natalie Decker, 18     Eagle River, WI
  8. Ali Kern, 22     Fremont, OH
  9. Mariah McGriff, 20     Vail, AZ
  10. Becca Monopoli, 26     Lakeland, FL
  11. Erika Newcome, 20     Pickerington, OH
  12. Hannah Newhouse, 18     Twin Falls, ID
  13. Vanessa Robinson, 25     Las Cruces, NM

Best of luck to each of these ladies as they attempt to make the 2016 Drive for Diversity Program!