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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

Most Improved in 2016

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The Most Improved Woman of the Year category received 30 nominations and 53 votes for the 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    This recognizes women who have made significant strides at their trades.  

Most Improved - Aileen Collins-LoveMost Improved Woman of the Year 2016 –  Aileen Collins-Love

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the 2016 Women of the Year Most Improved category – Sprint Car Owner/ Driver Aileen Collins-Love!

Aileen finished in 3rd place for the Eagle Jet Top Gun Series Points for the 2016 season.  She improved upon her 10th standing in 2015, and worked hard all season to showcase her talent behind the wheel.

Most Improved Runner Up 2016 –  Megan Meyer

Top Alcohol Dragster Drag Racer, Megan Meyer, was your Most Improved Woman of the Year Runner-Up for the 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Most Improved Woman of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearHeather Carter
  • Leah Pritchett
  • Janette Thornley
  • Brittany Force
  • Natalie Waggoner
  • Shannon Giust
  • Aileen Collins-Love
  • Angelle Sampey
  • Kayli Barker
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Mia Tedesco
  • Angelle Sampey
  • Amber Balcaen
  • Michelle Furr
  • Danica Patrick
  • Marina Anderson
  • Randi Lyn Shipp
  • Laura Landry
  • Lacey Martin
  • Sarah Burgess
  • Sondra Leslie
  • Sarah Boyce
  • Michele Kato
  • Shea Holbrook
  • Brooke Storer
  • Sarah Edwards

 

 

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

 

 

 

Crewmember of the Year 2016

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The Female Crewmember of the Year 2016 category received 27 nominations and 67 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    There were several lead changes throughout the 8 day voting period, but your winner pulled ahead by just 2 votes at the wire.

Crewmember of the Year 2016Crewmember of the Year 2016 –  Shelley Molea

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Crewmember of the Year 2016 category – Nostalgia Drag Racing Crew Chief, Shelley Molea!   Serving as crew chief on the popular Nostalgia Drag Racing entry of Mad Mike Molea, the family-owned operation out of Grants Pass, Oregon, Shelley Molea works hard with all the crew duties on their beautiful, 1933 Willys Blown Alcohol Gasser entry.  

Shelley MoleaThe popular team recently took the win for the AA/Supercharged class at the 25th Annual California HotRod Reunion event at Auto Club Famoso Raceway this past October.    This feat was accomplished after an amazing recovery from an on-track accident a month before, that left the team scrambling to repair the extensive crash damage and make a comeback before the season-highlighting Hotrod Reunion event.   Not only did Mike, Shelley and the rest of the team get the car back together in time for the race, but they landed in the winner circle for the prestigious reunion event.   

Regularly featured on magazine covers, and a crowd favorite, the “Mad Mike” Willys looks better than ever, and Shelley can always be found out front, helping guide Mike through the burnout and into the beams – as well as busy in the pits between rounds.

Runner Up –  Cassie Simonton

Multi-talented drag racing driver/wrench, Cassie Simonton was your Crewmember of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Crewmember of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • Tinzy Aronson
  • Sarah Burgess2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year
  • Janette Thornley
  • Paige Sanchez
  • Melissa Urist
  • Judy Franklin
  • Shannon Giust
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Bunny Burkett
  • Kaylnn Simmons
  • Rachel Meyer
  • Jessica Mace
  • Shayne Fisher
  • Leeza Diehl
  • Kayli Barker
  • Tiffany Mills
  • Krista Elyse
  • Leeza Diehl
  • Heather Capano
  • Megan Meyer
  • Natasha Cherchuk
  • Randi Lyn Shipp
  • Kristi Shipp
  • Candace Williams

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

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

Women of Racing PRI 2015 Photos – Day 2

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The Women of Racing PRI 2015 march continues on Day 2 of the Performance Racing Industry tradeshow.

All of our favorite female drivers, crew and professionals are working hard to network with new connections, catch up with old friends, and thank their 2015 partners.

Check out what they’ve been sharing on their social media platforms!

Missed Day 1?  Check out our Ladies of Racing PRI 2015 Photo Gallery

Have photos you’d like to share?   Tag us on Facebook and Twitter #horsepowerandheels  [Source: Facebook/Twitter]

Women of Racing PRI 2015 Day 2 Photo Gallery