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Celebrating, promoting and supporting female racers and women in motorsports

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McKenna Haase

You are here: Home / Archives for McKenna Haase

Female Racer of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 //  by Horsepower & Heels

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

 

 

 

Category: Official News, Women in Racing NewsTag: Afton Swanson, Alexis DeJoria, Amber Bacaen, Angelle Sampey, Awards, Brittany Force, Cheryl Hryn, Courtney Force, Danica Patrick, Donna Gerstel, Elaine Larsen, Erica Enders, Heather Carter, Jackie Fricke, Jessi Combs, Jody Perewitz, Journee Richardson, Kayli Barker, Laura Landry, Leah Pritchett, Lexi Fruggiero, Lilian Cacioppo, McKenna Haase, Megan Meyer, Melanie Salemi, Mia Tedesco, Michelle Furr, Nina Gusler, Pippa Mann, Sarah Boyce, Sarah Burgess, Sarah Edwards, Shanna Snyder, Shannon Giust, Sondra Leslie, Vonnie Mills, Women of the Year, Women Racing, Yvonne Lucas

Sports Minded | Female Racers

December 27, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Competitiveness is a wonderful thing harnessed by strong, capable ladies in the sports world. Many women in motorsports were also athletes in other sports before they began their racing careers.

These sports minded female racers drew on the experiences they gained in other sports to help them in the racing world.

Sports Minded Female Racers : What sports do/did you play?  How did it help you in Motorsports?

Leave us a comment below with your sport and experiences!

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Ashley Keller, Dina Parise, Erica Ortiz, Journee Richardson, Leah Pritchett, McKenna Haase, Shannon Mudro, Women Racing

Chix Gear Fast 15 team announced

December 16, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

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

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Ashley Capetta, Ashley Strickland, Bri Bandimere, Brianna Mahon, Jenna Johnson, Kayli Barker, Lexy VanZandt, List, Mandy Chick, McKenna Haase, Megan Manshack, Sarah Burgess, Savannah Trantham, Shayle Bade, Sklyer Allen, Tara Longnecker, Women 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!

  1. Tracey'sRaceJewelryTracey’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!

  2. McKenna Haase MerchMcKenna 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.
  3. Sara Price MX –
    Sara Price Store
    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!
  4. Girls Torque pouchGirls 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!
  5. Jennifer Jo Cobb shoppingJennifer 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!

  6. Car Chix StoreCarchix -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.

     

  7. Molly Helmuth storeMolly 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!

  8. Shop AerospacecAerospace 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!

  9. Leah Pritrechett StoLeah 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.

  10. Pippa Mann StorePippa 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.

     

  11. SplitRacing_Black FridayHeather 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!

Category: Heel ClicksTag: CarChix, Girls Torque, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Kim Kussy, McKenna Haase, Pippa Mann, Sara Price

Women’s Helmet Review

October 8, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

We all know that when it comes to protective safety wear, being in a male-dominated sport can have its disadvantages as a woman.   These items are typically designed for men, and there isn’t much information out there on how each of them actually fit and function for women.    After the success of our Women’s Fire Suit Review, we decided to continue the series onto the next critical component common to racers:   Women’s Helmet Review.

We again reached out to our network of fellow female racers and women in motorsports for their feedback on Women’s Racing Helmets.   Each woman provided her input on their helmet’s weight, comfort, quality, and overall satisfaction on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being completely dissatisfied and 5 being completely satisfied.

Bell

Renee-Dupuis-helmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  Renee Dupuis |  NASCAR Modifieds Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Renee’s Comments:  “Fabulous helmet – Bell fits me better than other brands, so I’ve used them exclusively for years.”


Sara-Price-HelmetHelmet:  Bell Moto 9 | DOT   Snell M2015

Reviewed by:  Sara Price |  Professional Motocross Supercross Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Sara’s Comments: “Bell having a long track record with safety on their product, I would never hesitate to choose any of their product! I mainly use the Moto 9 but when I have to use a Auto specific helmet I happily choose the BR1! They are build very well and high end and feel safe with my brain inside one!”


McKenna-Haase-HelmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 Carbon | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  McKenna Haase |  Dirt Sprint Car Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

McKenna’s Comments:  “When I first received my RS7, I felt it was uncomfortable due to the pressure it applied to my forehead. However, I talked to the employees at Bell, and they had me send it back so they could work on it. Within two days, they had reshaped my helmet perfectly and it has fit great ever since. I recently flipped my sprint car violently five times end over end and walked away without any brain injury.”


G-Force

Tarra-Springstoh-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Tarra Springstroh | Asphalt Circle track driver

WEIGHT: 4 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Tarra’s Comments: “Love my gforce helmet! Got a new one for 2016 which is the carbon fiber!”


Krista-Elyse-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Krista Elyse | NMRA Drag Racing Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Krista’s Comments:  “This helmet saved me from severe head trauma during my crash this season that totaled my race car. I walked away with a minor concussion instead of something worse, due to smacking my head so hard on the front of the 10 point roll cage. I am extremely satisfied and would purchase the helmet again. Proof that you don’t have to buy an $800 helmet to be sufficiently protected.”


Impact

Sunny-Hobbs-HelmetHelmet:  Impact Super Sport | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Sunny Hobbs | Road/Sport/Stockcar Racer

WEIGHT: 3 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 4 star rating

Sunny’s Comments: “This helmet fits the bill for me. It’s snug and comfortable, and works well with my Hans. The padding around my face is firm which gives it a good fit, but the fabric is still soft and pliable. My peripheral vision is great. The chin strap rings tend to twist sometimes which is cumbersome,but overall it’s a good quality helmet.”


Simpson

Elaine-Larsen-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Carbon Drag Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Elaine Larsen | IHRA Jet Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Elaine’s Comments:  “Simpson is the best when it comes to fitting women in Motor Sports. They go the extra mile to make sure that the fit is perfect as we don’t fit regular sizes. They do this at no extra charge to the customer. I have had extra padding installed in my helmets as my face is thinner than a man and the strap able to be pulled tighter. They make safety and comfort their first priority. They also make sure you look really good wearing their products.”


Janette-Thornley-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Outlaw Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Janette Thornley | Nitro Harley Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Janette’s Comments:  “In motorcycle drag racing, it’s important to have a larger opening to see through above the eyes. This helmet is sufficient to get the job done but another 1/2″ would be even better. The fit is perfect and feels good when wearing it but again, once on the motorcycle and in the stage position, I have to push the chin part of the helmet up some in order to see the staging tree. At that point, the back of the helmet can pinch my ponytail but once the adjustment is complete I’m set and the helmet is not a distraction and I’ve never had an issue.”


CarlyJoEllingson_HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Bandit| Snell SA2015

Reviewed by:  Carly Jo Ellingson | Super Pro Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  4 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Carly Jo’s Comments:  “I love my Simpson Bandit helmet! I feel that it was a very smart choice and I’m happy I made the switch a number of years ago, after making the decision to move up through the ranks of NHRA drag racing! My only complaint would be that after several years of use in the scorching heat of our summer race seasons, I noticed that the padding adhesive was actually seeping through the padding. With that being said, I still recommend the Simpson Bandit to other racers, and I am thankful for its strong build! That helmet saved my life during a rollover accident in 2013, so I will definitely stand by it and represent it as living proof of its excellent quality!


 

Stilo

Cindi Lux HelmetHelmet:  Stilo ST4 GT | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Cindi Lux | Road Racer/Instructor

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Cindi’s Comments:  “I have worn many different types of helmets over my career. This Stilo is one of the best in all areas. Comfort, safety and features.”

Do you have Comments/Notes to add to this discussion?  Make sure you comment below and give us your feedback!

Category: Books & Reviews, FeaturedTag: Carly Jo Ellingson, Cindi Lux, Guide to Racing, Janette Thornley, Krista Elyse, McKenna Haase, Renee Dupuis, Sara Price, Sunny Hobbs, Tarra Springstroh, Women Racing

Featured Racer: McKenna Haase

July 8, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Teenage Female Racer McKenna HaaseMcKenna Haase isn’t your average teenager.  The 18 year-old Des Moines, Iowa native  shows poise and savvy beyond her years.   On the eve of her high school graduation, where she would walk at the head of her Carlisle High School class with prestigious valedictorian honors, McKenna Haase would add a historic win at century-old Knoxville Speedway to her already impressive career.     Drive, passion and razor-sharp talent can all but guarantee the name McKenna etched just the first of a long list of memorable highlights for the record books.

Mall Encounter inspires Racing Career

For most young girls, a trip to the mall may inspire her growing fashion sense, but for McKenna, a chance encounter at a mall in Tennessee would serve as the spark that would ignite her racing passion.

I became interested in racing when I met Kasey Kahne in a shopping mall in Tennessee and began following racing. I also watched one of my cousins race in Oklahoma and continued to follow the sport.”

Haase’s encounter with NASCAR star Kasey Kahne so deeply impacted her that she began the difficult task of convincing her parents – who had no racing ties – to allow their daughter to participate in a sport they disliked.   No easy task, McKenna names this as one of the toughest hurdles in her young career.   But, after much prodding, they finally conceded and allowed McKenna to begin racing at the Karting level.

I raced at Slideways Karting Center for two years before getting my own racecar after many years of trying to talk my parents into it.   I think early on my biggest roadblock was talking my parents into allowing me to be a part of a sport they weren’t very fond of. I felt like we were always arguing over whether or not I could go to the races, and then later on, get a racecar.”

Without family racing knowledge, McKenna and her father would rely on driving techniques she would pick up studying in-car camera videos and other live racing events they attended.   She put these techniques to practice at public karting facilities, honing her early skills behind the wheel.

McKenna Haase racingMoving up for McKenna Haase

From there, she began her trek up the ranks.  Beginning in 2010, she would make quick work to the top of the Box Stock Outlaw Karts category at English Creek Speedway (Knoxville, IA).   Haase would finish in the Top 3 of all the A-Main points races there, securing a top 5 A-Main finish, a B-Main win at the Got Milk? Nationals in Hartville, MO, and a 7th place finish at the Outlaw Dirt Kart Nationals (Knoxville, IA).

In 2011, she would return to the Box Stock Outlaw Kart class, besting her performances all-around with a 3rd place finish at the Got Milk? Nationals in Hartville,  another  3rd place finish at the Outlaw Dirt Kart Nationals, and 15 wins & 22 second place combined heat & feature finishes throughout the season.  All of this resulted in a runner-up finish for the 2011 English Creek Speedway points championship.

After quick success in the Box Stock Outlaw Kart ranks, McKenna would make the move in 2012 to Restrictor/Open Micro Sprints.  She would travel to a variety of tracks to compete, claiming two feature wins and 16 top ten finishes out of the 20 race schedule. She even claimed a 2nd place finish at the Warren County Speedway Nationals in 2012.

2013 would see McKenna in the running for the A-Class/Open/Outlaw Micro Sprints.   Of the 16 races she entered, 14 of them were top ten finishes, with a 1st place finish in the Tulsa Shootout heat race.

By 2014, she had graduated 305 Sprint Cars, competing in the Knoxville Championship Cup Series at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa.   She claimed 3 heat wins, 5 top ten finishes in her first 7 feature starts and finished 2nd overall, which was the highest finish from a female in the raceway’s 100+ year history at the time.

That record wouldn’t stand long, because on the eve of her high school graduation, McKenna captured her first 305 Sprint win at Knoxville Raceway, and sealed her name permanently into the record books with her historic win.

Balancing Life and Racing

With such success and dedication, it is easy to forget that Haase accomplished all of this while enrolled full-time in high school, participating in a variety of athletic sports, and maintaining a flawless 4.0 G.P.A.

Athletically, I’ve participated in a variety of other sports other than racing that has helped to keep me in shape for racing. I’ve always been a believer in having a good education and trying hard in school, and as I head to college to study finance, I’ve found that my business background has really helped me with sponsorships, marketing, and merchandise.”

The seemingly tireless McKenna spends much of her free time in the office working on the business side of her racing career, handling the marketing promotions, merchandise sales, and accounting for the team.    When needed, she would also jump back into the shop to handle work on the racecar in preparation for upcoming race weekends.     Yet still, she set aside time in her bustling schedule for the gym to make sure she was physically on top of her game.

Racing is a full time job both on and off the track, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

With all the attention and dedication that McKenna places on her career, it’s easy to see why the young racer has attained such early success.    Her biggest obstacles have come with the increasing costs in moving her way up the ranks.  But she hasn’t let anything slow her down, attributing her ability to overcome these hurdles to hard work, and a good support system.   Her focus on achieving her goals is paramount, something that has helped her avoid the occasional critic.

I have received criticism in the past but have always tried to steer clear of any drama or anything that might distract me from staying focused on my goals. I’ve found it’s best to look at these situations as a way of making myself stronger and believe it’s best just to stay out of any negative conversations.”

Leading Young Women in Racing

McKenna was also recognized by the Women’s Sports Foundation, partnering with their Project Podium program.

Last year I was partnered with the Women’s Sports Foundation and Project Podium which was a really neat organization to be a part of and is filled with many women that are really inspirational. It’s always neat to see younger girls look up to me (I wish we had more in the sport), and I love hearing when I’ve inspired someone else. I like to see a female’s eyes light up when you talk about racing with them because they watched me race or something I did caught their attention.”

With experience well beyond what her 18 years might lead you to believe, she is able to offer solid advice for young women wanting to enter the sport:

I have so many tips I could share that I’ve learned along the way, but I’ll share a couple that I feel are most important.

#1- Be social- If you’re truly passionate about motorsports, be involved in as much as possible in the sport. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people, no matter their age or background, as you never know who you might meet. There are a lot of amazing people in the racing community, and I believe life’s too short to pass up the opportunity to meet a great friend or connection. Get out there and experience everything motorsports has to offer and enjoy every single second of the ride.

#2- Be genuine- No matter what level you find yourself at in motorsports, be grateful to anyone who helped you get there and never pass up the opportunity to thank them. If you are genuinely humble and grateful in motorsports, people will respect you, and it makes them feel good knowing they support someone who truly appreciates what they’ve done for them.

As McKenna Haase continues into her next life chapter, her long term goal is to drive  a World of Outlaws sprint car and ultimately sees a career as a professional racecar driver for herself, wherever that may lead her.   One thing is certain, we have only seen the beginning of the McKenna Haase legacy.

We look forward to seeing many more historic firsts for this young fearless female, good luck to you, McKenna Haase!

Category: Driver FeaturesTag: McKenna Haase, Sprint Car, Women Racing

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