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Horsepower & Heels

Celebrating, promoting and supporting female racers and women in motorsports

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Press

You are here: Home / Archives for Press

Featured Site: Chicas Racing

November 20, 2014 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Chicas Racing
laschicasracing.blogspot.mx

Chicas Racing.com

Not too long ago, I stumbled on a site that I really enjoyed reading.  Chicas Racing, a women’s racing site in spanish language based out of Mexico.  What Horsepower & Heels hopes to accomplish in the english-speaking community, Chicas Racing is doing for the spanish-speaking demographic.

The site features a wide variety of different racers from every different genre of motorsport.  They regularly feature news for rising young talent, as well as report on all the professional women tearing up the racetracks.

I was especially honored to see this from Andrea Escalona, one of the Chicas Racing staff:

Y quiero contarles que una drag racing girl, me inspiró a crear un blog, ella es @HorsepowerHeels! ❤ Let’s do this! #WomenRacing

which in english translates that she was inspired to create a blog because of mine. That is one of the biggest compliments that anyone could ever offer me. It means that my passion and dedication to supporting women in motorsports has made a difference for someone, and that the passion will continue to be spread around the world.

Sharing with the world the stories of the many thousand women and young girls out there showing that they are strong, capable, and talented drivers is so important to ALL women in motorsports.     Over the years, there have been only a handful of news sources that share and champion this message to the masses.   But the more we grow in telling our stories, the more the world has to celebrate the successes and fight through the hardships with us.

So for my latinos, please stop by and check out Chicas Racing! Dígales que Horsepower & Heels le envió.

Category: Featured Site, Women in Racing, Women in Racing ResourcesTag: Guide to Racing, Press

Drag Racing Online– Ortiz looking for Sponsorship

November 15, 2014 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Drag Racing Online – Ortiz Looking For Sponsorship

November 14, 2014

A small mention in the Agent 1320 column about Erica’s plans to secure sponsorship for Horsepower & Heels found on online drag racing magazine, Drag Racing Online.

Published November 14, 2014

DRO Agent 1320 Erica Ortiz
Drag Racing Online 11/14/14

 

Category: In the NewsTag: Erica Ortiz, Press, Women Racing

Dealing with Haters

November 14, 2014 //  by Horsepower & Heels

DRO Agent 1320 Erica Ortiz
Drag Racing Online 11/14

After chatting about my history, struggles and recent desire for a comeback, Eddie Maloney, a west coast friend of mine, decided he wanted to help me out by submitting a post on Drag Racing Online talking about my efforts to secure sponsorship.   The post, which appeared in their Agent 1320 column and on their Facebook page, marks the first time I’ve been in the drag racing press since my hiatus began back in 2007.

Keyboard Jockey-ing: Dealing with Haters

One thing that didn’t take long to come back to me, is how being in the public news like that puts you out there for the masses to pick you apart.   It’s one of the known necessary downfalls to being a woman in racing, the brutal chore of dealing with haters

Eddie, meaning nothing but well, picked a photo from my Latina Magazine photoshoot in 2007.   Latina Magazine is a fashion magazine (think Cosmo, Glamour) for hispanic women with a readership of over 2.5 million women (Latina.com).   The famous  photographer who conceptualized and shot the image, had just shot the likes of Eva Mendez the previous day.

For the photo, a stylist was flown in to prepare my “look” (hair/makeup/wardrobe) and the whole experience was a surreal one for this average drag racer.   (click the image at right to view full size)  I was placed in a fitted black pantsuit outfit, with a checkered tank underneath peaking out from the unbuttoned top.   I wore a set of beautiful stilettos, and was placed in a spectacularly lit trailer with a cool Mustang race car(not mine) behind me, foot atop a helmet.   It was, to me, a beautiful photo in which I not only felt proud to be a racer, but to be a beautiful and glamorous woman as well.  (It also was huge free exposure: like $45,847 worth- the going rate for an equivalent one page advertisement in the magazine.)

But this recent post took a little under 2 hours from when it hit the internet for the first hater to start the bashing.  I underestimated how much more problematic dealing with haters has become with the rise of Facebook (since my departure from the sport).

Shaming Women’s Bodies

The comments had nothing to do with my skill as a driver, my character or experience.   Every comment centered around MY BODY.   Now, those that know me personally, know that I am extremely conservative and shy, which make the claims made online even that much more far-fetched.   Friends and people I had never met were quick to defend me against these horribly sexist remarks, but the most disheartening part to me was the offenders — predominantly other WOMEN.

Last year, I touched on this subject when Courtney Force posed nude in ESPN and the drag racing world polarized on the issue.  Honestly, I knew it would be a controversial topic, and in my piece, I wrote about the blatantly sexist double standard- that they crucified Courtney but not John, or any other male in the issue for that matter.   But posing nude can be controversial in nature for any person based on belief, so although it was frustrating, it was not unexpected.

But what absolutely baffles me is how far these sexist remarks will go to demean women.   In these photos, I am wearing a pantsuit– the only part of my body exposed is my arms and face.    So naturally, I was a bit taken aback by these comments:

Amanda Pierce If one wants to be taken professionally & sponsored, one should not pose in such way that an easily photoshopped stripper pole might be inserted in such photo.

Interesting.  A stripper?   You see a fully-clothed woman and instantly think stripper?  I’m curious if you mean that in order to appear “professional”, I must look and dress like a male?   Because I don’t see any glitter or pasties or thongs, so apparently looking like a woman means that I am a stripper?

Jessie Mayunga Using your body to get an sponsorship…smh

Using my body.   What?  Am I, for some reason, to be ashamed of my own body all of a sudden?   The one God gave me?  The one I take care of regularly by going to the gym and eating healthy?  Or maybe I should wear a burka instead?  Is that the only appropriate attire for women- something that masks my form and displays no part of my individual self?  I didn’t know that clothes that fit my body would mark me as a harlot.  I am sorry that is so disappointing to you.

Divided, We Fall.

This is exactly the problem, not only in racing but in LIFE and the reason women today are still fighting for equality in the workplace and other areas.   Until we stop apologizing for being women, until we stop shaming ourselves and spewing hate instead of lifting each other up, we will ALWAYS be behind.    Why would I ever think denouncing myself in my female form, downplaying what makes me feminine and unique, would gain me acceptance and equality?   All that does is reenforce the idea that being a woman is somehow WRONG!

That IS the very reason Horsepower & Heels was created– because Who Says Horsepower & Heels don’t mix?!?  Not to mention, from a marketing business standpoint (which, by the way, is my profession by trade) if a company wanted someone who looked, dressed and acted like a man to best sell their product and brand, don’t you think they’d actually get a MAN to do the job?

I refuse to apologize for being a woman.  I’m not going to downplay my femininity.

I am ME: a badass 215mph driving, tire smoking, wrench turning WOMAN and Mom, in a pair of cute size 8 high heels.

Category: Horsepower & Heels Blog, Women in Racing ResourcesTag: Erica Ortiz, Guide to Racing, Press, Women Racing

America’s Favorite Author nominee: Laura Contreras-Rowe

September 26, 2012 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Laura Contreras-RoweAwhile back, I was featured in a really cool book called Aim High: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women, written by a fantastic woman named Laura Contreras-Rowe.

Aim High: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women is a 5 Time-Award Winning book that offers hope and inspiration. Laura has traveled the country in the last year meeting and interviewing inspirational and amazing Hispanic and Latina women. This book features 33 thought-provoking positive role models from all over the country and from different professional backgrounds to tell their story. This book delivers a powerful message that despite financial challenges, family obligations and horrific environment or events: a young Hispanic or Latina woman can succeed to astounding heights with courage and tenacity.  I was very honored to be included among the featured women in this book, and am humbled by the mix of very well-known and highly successful profiles in my company.   (More info about the book at:  Aim High Book)

America’s Favorite Author Nominee | Laura Contreras-Rowe

Aim High Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina WomenI also just discovered that Laura Contreras-Rowe has just been nominated for America’s Favorite Author for the book, and that the voting has already begun.   I think its fantastic that she is being recognized for her efforts and would LOVE to see her earn the top spot!

Let’s help her win!  

All you have to do is click over to: http://americasfavoriteauthor.com/ and selected Laura from the nominees and hit VOTE!.

Thanks for all your help!

 

 

 

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Erica Ortiz, Press

Nails and Details at Woody Anderson

August 17, 2012 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Nails and Details at Woody AndersonAs a Service Advisor at Woody Anderson Ford,  my job is to ensure that we take care of your vehicle and protect both your investment and keep your family safe on the road.

With women accounting for over 65% of the dealership customer base, its alarming to know that 85% of women are not happy with the service they receive.

That’s why I’m proud to be involved in a new program this Saturday, at our Fayetteville, TN location.    Called “Nails and Details”, its a special event for ladies designed to empower women to feel knowledgeable about the care of their vehicle.   Created by women, the program will go over Basic Maintenance, the Service Experience, Roadside Safety and will feature two live demonstrations of the standard service and safety inspection we do for every vehicle.

Its been awhile since I had to speak publicly, but I’m excited about this program and looking forward to chatting with ladies and answering their questions.

We will be giving away all kinds of prizes, and all makes/models are welcome.   Stop by if you have the chance and see us!

 

Category: Horsepower & Heels Blog, Speaking OutTag: Erica Ortiz, Press

Promo Shoot: Huntsville Times 4/12/12

April 12, 2012 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Horsepower & Heels driver Erica Ortiz’s second hobby is also a fast-paced adrenaline feeding sport.

These series of photos were featured in  GO Magazine on 4/12/12, by Huntsville Times photographer Eric Schultz.

As eRacer X for the Dixie Derby Girls Flat Track Roller Derby team in Huntsville, AL, Erica is able to mix her two favorite passions.

While the Pro Mod was down for the rebuild, Erica needed another outlet to keep her active.   Roller derby was just the answer!  Follow some of her roller derby adventures on her blog, eRacer X Files.

 

[imagebrowser id=33]

Category: Multimedia, PhotosTag: Erica Ortiz, Horsepower & Heels, Press

Gearbox Magazine Feature

February 17, 2011 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Gearbox Magazine
Gearbox Magazine, Feb 2011

Check out this quick interview with Gearbox Magazine!

Gearbox is an online enthusiast magazine.   The interview discusses the Horsepower & Heels Mustang Build, difficulties in the tough economy and the impact on Erica Ortiz’s race career.

http://www.gearboxmagazine.com/erica-ortiz-2007-pro-mod-mustang/

Published Online: Feb 11, 2011

Category: In the NewsTag: Erica Ortiz, Horsepower & Heels, Press

MD Radio Baynet

April 16, 2010 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Sometimes you just accidentally stumble upon a good PR interview.

That’s exactly what happened when Erica was in Las Vegas on business.  While at breakfast in the NASCAR cafe in the Sahara hotel and casino, she meets John Hunt from MD Radio The Baynet.

Here’s a shot of the impromptu remote MD station in the NASCAR cafe during the breakfast.

Category: In the NewsTag: Erica Ortiz, Horsepower & Heels, Press

Ortiz featured in new book: AIM HIGH

December 11, 2009 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Aim High: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina WomenHuntsville, AL– Horsepower & Heels driver, Erica Ortiz, is one of 33 inspirational Hispanic woman role models selected for inclusion in a motivational book called AIM HIGH: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women written by Laura Contreras-Rowe. …

Category: Official NewsTag: Erica Ortiz, Horsepower & Heels, Press

New Feature: AIM High Book

December 11, 2009 //  by Horsepower & Heels

A few months back, I had the wonderful honor of being interviewed by book author Laura Contreras-Rowe for a book project she was working on called AIM HIGH: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women.

The interviewed lasted hours, where I talked about the journey I’ve taken over the course of my racing career and the things and challenges in life that drove me to chase my dreams.

Well, the first edition is back from the printer, and I’ve received my first copy. I’m really excited to be included as one of the 33 hispanic women chosen to share their stories. Venezuelan IRL driver Milka Duno is also featured in the book, so its quite an honor to be included along with her.

The book features stories from a wide variety of different professional backgrounds. All the women featured tell their personal stories, with the overall theme being the powerful message that despite financial challenges, family obligations and horrific environment or events: a young Hispanic or Latina woman can succeed to astounding heights with courage and tenacity.

This is the first book I’ve ever been featured in, and its a tremendous honor to be included in something so memorable and inspirational. The idea that this will be something that will exist to show my family and future generations is very emotional for me.

The book is available on Amazon.

(A small side note to my family and friends: though the story is written in 1st person perspective, it was written by Laura and there may be some details that were slightly skewed from what you may recall)

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Erica Ortiz, Horsepower & Heels, Milka Duno, Press

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