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.
Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 – Shirley Muldowney/Erica Enders
A 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.
Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Jessica Kennedy/Courtney Lambert
Where 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.
Most 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