Women in Motor Sports

Women in Motorsports Blog Carnival - September 1

The “little old ladies” weren’t from Pasadena, but as drivers go, there was “nobody meaner.”

As WMMR’s Granny Grand Prix competitors and their families waited for the action to start early Friday morning, everyone used the word “aggressive” when asked how they were going to behave out on the track at Arnold’s Family Fun Center.

Sharon Campion, 71, who claimed to normally be a defensive driver, said, “I’m a school-bus driver. Normally school-bus drivers are very defensive drivers, but today we’re going to be aggressive... Today, there’s no defense except aggression.”

Her granddaughter, Stephanie Hickey, said, “When it comes to the other grannies, the story ends with my grandmom putting them in the wall.”

Campion added that she has been involved in racing a long time, and her husband works down at Bridgeport Racetrack.

One family was all decked out in red T-shirts saying “Granny Theft Auto,” a takeoff on the “Grand Theft Auto” computer game.

Janice Sweet was that group’s racing matriarch. “I’m pretty excited,” she said.

Her granddaughter, Trina, said “She might take it a little far, but that’s OK... She’s pretty much a little aggressive in everything she does.”


Ashley Force debuted a pink rendition of her Castrol sponsored Mustang Nitro Funny car at "The Big GO" in Indy this weekend.

As much as she's a proponent of Girl Power, I wondered why she had never incorporated a pink theme into her graphics. Well, this weekend she will be racing a Bubble Gum Pink racecar as her Rookie of the Year themed entry. The special edition is a one-race appearance, so unfortunately it will be short-lived.

What a great idea in getting back to the Shirley Muldowney-inspired symbolism! Big thumbs up for this one!


Danica Patrick would be ecstatic with another strong run at Detroit Indy Grand Prix.

After starting 11th at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park, Patrick worked her way up to fifth late in the race when the cars running second, third and fourth were involved in an incident with two laps to go. Patrick sped past the wreckage and held on for a second-place finish behind Andretti Green Racing teammate Tony Kanaan.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," said Patrick, fifth-fastest in practice Friday with a lap at 100.100 m.p.h. "I'm very fortunate that I didn't get caught up in it. It was great to stand next to Tony Kanaan on the podium, first and second. Hopefully we can do something similar again."

Despite winning her first IndyCar race earlier in the season at Twin Ring Motegi, nothing has come easy this year for Patrick. She has finished in the top 10 in nine of 15 races this year, but only three times in the top five, including a fifth-place showing Sunday in Sonoma, Calif.

"It's been a year of ups and downs, and drama," Patrick said. "It's either been something on the track drawing attention or something off the track. It's just been like that this year.

"(Winning) hasn't lessened the pressure to win again. We're shooting for No. 1 every week. It's the other drivers who are making it hard on me. The competition is very deep out there, especially on the road courses. It's tough every single weekend."


Valerie Thompson, a two-time Bonneville land-speed record holder who has spent the last two years in the All Harley Drag Racing Association's V-Rod Destroyer class, will make her Pro Stock Motorcycle debut at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

Three years ago, Thompson left a promising career in the banking industry to fulfill her longtime goal of becoming a professional racing team owner and rider. Her success in the AHDRA series, which includes a third-place effort in 2007, has attracted the interest of seasoned NHRA crewmembers including Rob Schopf and Jim Schneider, who worked with Tom Bradford's six-second Buell.

Thompson recently relocated from her home base in Scottsdale, Ariz., to Wisconsin to be closer to her crew. She has tested extensively this summer, running a best of 7.14, 186.14.

Thompson will join a roster that includes four other female riders: Angelle Sampey, Karen Stoffer, Peggy Llewellyn, and Angie McBride.


Check out Tiffany Daniels blog from the Best in the Desert Off-Road Race last weekend:

Yesterday we all slept in to recover from our very long day on Friday.  We then were able to do a little sight-seeing in the afternoon. We went to look at some of the very elaborate hotel/casinos and rode a roller coaster in New York New York.  Then we went to the Stratosphere on the end of the strip, which rises over 1,000 feet in the air. We went up to the observation deck on the 108th floor. Then Cliff and I took the elevator up to the top of the building, the 112th floor, which was outdoors. We rode “The Big Shot” on top of the building, which shot us up to 1,150 feet in the air and dropped us back near the building several times. We were both scared half to death, but it was such a rush!

Now it’s Sunday and we are sitting in the airport ready to go back to Charlotte. Jerry showed us a great time out here in Vegas, and it was a great opportunity to experience off-road racing, although I am looking forward to being back home.



Team Hummer WINS BIG at TSCO Vegas to Reno!

Rod, Chad and Josh all capture first place finishes in 3100, 4100 and 8100. Emily finished 3rd in 4100.  All three Halls maintain their leads in the points championships, and Rod breaks the tie for 1st in Stock Mini.  Check out the blog Monday for a post race update and race photos.

by Linda Przygodski
Contributing Editor
AskPatty.com

The “little old ladies” weren’t from Pasadena, but as drivers go, there was “nobody meaner.”

As WMMR’s Granny Grand Prix competitors and their families waited for the action to start early Friday morning, everyone used the word “aggressive” when asked how they were going to behave out on the track at Arnold’s Family Fun Center.

Sharon Campion, 71, who claimed to normally be a defensive driver, said, “I’m a school-bus driver. Normally school-bus drivers are very defensive drivers, but today we’re going to be aggressive... Today, there’s no defense except aggression.”

Her granddaughter, Stephanie Hickey, said, “When it comes to the other grannies, the story ends with my grandmom putting them in the wall.”

Campion added that she has been involved in racing a long time, and her husband works down at Bridgeport Racetrack.

One family was all decked out in red T-shirts saying “Granny Theft Auto,” a takeoff on the “Grand Theft Auto” computer game.

Janice Sweet was that group’s racing matriarch. “I’m pretty excited,” she said.

Her granddaughter, Trina, said “She might take it a little far, but that’s OK... She’s pretty much a little aggressive in everything she does.”


Ashley Force debuted a pink rendition of her Castrol sponsored Mustang Nitro Funny car at "The Big GO" in Indy this weekend.

As much as she's a proponent of Girl Power, I wondered why she had never incorporated a pink theme into her graphics. Well, this weekend she will be racing a Bubble Gum Pink racecar as her Rookie of the Year themed entry. The special edition is a one-race appearance, so unfortunately it will be short-lived.

What a great idea in getting back to the Shirley Muldowney-inspired symbolism! Big thumbs up for this one!


Danica Patrick would be ecstatic with another strong run at Detroit Indy Grand Prix.

After starting 11th at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park, Patrick worked her way up to fifth late in the race when the cars running second, third and fourth were involved in an incident with two laps to go. Patrick sped past the wreckage and held on for a second-place finish behind Andretti Green Racing teammate Tony Kanaan.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," said Patrick, fifth-fastest in practice Friday with a lap at 100.100 m.p.h. "I'm very fortunate that I didn't get caught up in it. It was great to stand next to Tony Kanaan on the podium, first and second. Hopefully we can do something similar again."

Despite winning her first IndyCar race earlier in the season at Twin Ring Motegi, nothing has come easy this year for Patrick. She has finished in the top 10 in nine of 15 races this year, but only three times in the top five, including a fifth-place showing Sunday in Sonoma, Calif.

"It's been a year of ups and downs, and drama," Patrick said. "It's either been something on the track drawing attention or something off the track. It's just been like that this year.

"(Winning) hasn't lessened the pressure to win again. We're shooting for No. 1 every week. It's the other drivers who are making it hard on me. The competition is very deep out there, especially on the road courses. It's tough every single weekend."


Valerie Thompson, a two-time Bonneville land-speed record holder who has spent the last two years in the All Harley Drag Racing Association's V-Rod Destroyer class, will make her Pro Stock Motorcycle debut at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

Three years ago, Thompson left a promising career in the banking industry to fulfill her longtime goal of becoming a professional racing team owner and rider. Her success in the AHDRA series, which includes a third-place effort in 2007, has attracted the interest of seasoned NHRA crewmembers including Rob Schopf and Jim Schneider, who worked with Tom Bradford's six-second Buell.

Thompson recently relocated from her home base in Scottsdale, Ariz., to Wisconsin to be closer to her crew. She has tested extensively this summer, running a best of 7.14, 186.14.

Thompson will join a roster that includes four other female riders: Angelle Sampey, Karen Stoffer, Peggy Llewellyn, and Angie McBride.


Check out Tiffany Daniels blog from the Best in the Desert Off-Road Race last weekend:

Yesterday we all slept in to recover from our very long day on Friday.  We then were able to do a little sight-seeing in the afternoon. We went to look at some of the very elaborate hotel/casinos and rode a roller coaster in New York New York.  Then we went to the Stratosphere on the end of the strip, which rises over 1,000 feet in the air. We went up to the observation deck on the 108th floor. Then Cliff and I took the elevator up to the top of the building, the 112th floor, which was outdoors. We rode “The Big Shot” on top of the building, which shot us up to 1,150 feet in the air and dropped us back near the building several times. We were both scared half to death, but it was such a rush!

Now it’s Sunday and we are sitting in the airport ready to go back to Charlotte. Jerry showed us a great time out here in Vegas, and it was a great opportunity to experience off-road racing, although I am looking forward to being back home.



Team Hummer WINS BIG at TSCO Vegas to Reno!

Rod, Chad and Josh all capture first place finishes in 3100, 4100 and 8100. Emily finished 3rd in 4100.  All three Halls maintain their leads in the points championships, and Rod breaks the tie for 1st in Stock Mini.  Check out the blog Monday for a post race update and race photos.

Last Minute Gift Item For The Motorsports Maven

The Lyn St. James Foundation has a great little gift item for you this year. Check out the 18-month 2007 calendar they are selling on eBay! It features women in motorsports and supports a great cause to boot! Check out all the photos of Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, among others.

Featured in the 18-month calendar (July 2006 through December 2007) are Jessica Helberg, Stephanie Mockler, Cindi Lux, Erin Crocker, Jessica Brannam, Brittany Frosh, Jutta Kleinschmidt, Melanie Troxel, Liz Halliday, Katherine Legge, Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher, Erica Enders, Allison Duncan, Audra Sasselli, Susie Stoddart, Sondi Eden and Veronica McCann. Wow! That about represents all of our lovely racing ladies out there!

Pick one of these great calendars up on eBay or at the Lyn St. James Foundation web site.

The Mission of the Lyn St. James Foundation is to provide leadership, vision, resources and financial support in order to create an open environment for women's growth in automotive fields. Through its driver development program, the LSJ Foundation has trained more than 150 female race car drivers from 38 states and two countries. It has also contributed to Girls, Inc., the Wilbur Shaw Soap Box Derby in Indianapolis, as well as other charitable organizations

Elaine Martin: Fast and in control

Milan drag racing champion raises the profile of female drivers

December 17, 2006

   By ERIN CHAN

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Elaine Martin

    * •Born in: Trenton

      •Age: 36

      •Lives in: Livonia, with longtime boyfriend Marlon Howes

      •Children: David Martin, 17, and Ashley Martin, 12; like a stepmom to Mike Howes, 20, Gabby Howes, 16 and Shannon Howes, 15

      •Job: Manages Regency Car Wash in Garden City and scrubs cars at Regency in Westland

      •Education: Melvindale High School (GED obtained in 1989)

      •Favorite sports team: Detroit Pistons ("Oh, yeah, they rock.")

      •Watches: "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves Raymond"

      •A favorite childhood memory: Watching NASCAR races around the country with her dad, William Powell; Martin put her Milan Dragway 2002 Female Driver of the Year trophy in his casket when he died that year of congestive heart failure.

      •Drives (on real roads, without speeding): burgundy 1989 Ford Tempo, brown 1994 Chevrolet Astro Van, burgundy 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, white 2005 Sunseeker Class C motorhome

      •Drives (at Milan Dragway): yellow 2002 Pontiac Firebird with gray and black stripes and burgundy 1993 Chevy Camaro

Drag racing basics

    * What is it? Two cars race alongside each other on a two-lane, quarter-mile straightaway. To give the slower cars a fair shot at winning, a computer automatically adjusts the starting light for a handicap. The car that finishes first wins, but a driver can be disqualified by going too far below his or her estimated time or for starting too soon.

      What kind of cars race? They range from the tricked-out hot rods to pickup trucks to dragsters to motorcycles to junker vans, as long as the car passes a pre-race inspection at the dragway.

      How many people watch races at Milan Dragway? A lot depends on the weather. A comfortable day or evening or an anticipated race like the International Hot Rod Association Motor City Nationals can bring up to 700 cars and 15,000 spectators.

Originally published April 23, 2006

Elaine Martin grips the black steering wheel of her sunshine-colored Pontiac Firebird and keeps her eye on the yellow light.

Usher croons from the stereo. His R&B hits calm her.

Because just as Martin is not a normal driver, this is not a normal yellow light.

When it lights up, Martin does not slow down.

She slams the accelerator.

The 2002 Firebird roars. It zooms down the drag strip, and hits 104.6 m.p.h. in a matter of seconds, traveling so fast it feels as if it is about to take flight.

Martin has planted herself in the driver's seat in every way, and that makes her smile.

"It's so great," she says. "I'm able to control something that looks like it's not controllable."

The 36-year-old mother has raced thousands of times and won hundreds of head-to-head bouts, and as the season revs up at Milan Dragway on Saturday, Martin will be one of the strongest contenders for 2006 street champion - against both sexes.

"She's a tough racer, make no doubt about it," says Mark Johnson, 36, of Lambertville, who announces and races at Milan Dragway, which is Martin's home track. "I know many men who wish they didn't have to race her."

As national figures like Indy Car racer Danica Patrick and drag car driver Erica Enders have started beating the guys, attention on female race car drivers has grown.

This renewed attention follows female drag racing pioneers like Shirley Muldowney, who made history between 1977 and 1982 by becoming the first racer of any gender to win multiple National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel Championships and who was inducted to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame two years ago.

At Milan Dragway, which is four miles east of M-23 in Milan and is the only drag strip in metro Detroit, race director Chris Baxter says he has noticed more female racers.

Ten years ago, when she first started racing at Milan, Martin remembers looking up to two women, but now estimates there are at least a dozen female drag racers, though they are still outnumbered each weekend by at least a couple of hundred men. "Most women out there are really good," Martin said.

But the ultra-competitive Martin is exceptional.

She was Milan's street car champion in 1998 and has nabbed the Dragway's Female Driver of the Year award five times, a title that goes to the woman who has accumulated the most points during the season.

"She's definitely an inspiration," says Danielle Stefanovski, 20, of Belleville, who started racing her 1968 Chevrolet Camaro three years ago and says Martin often gives her pointers. "She's just such a great driver and knows a lot about cars and racing."

On weekdays, when Martin isn't racing, she's still around cars. Hundreds of them.

She manages a Regency Car Wash in Garden City that's owned by her longtime boyfriend, Marlon Howes, who first got her interested in drag racing.

After watching Howes race for seven years, Martin wanted to try it for herself.

"It was a way for her to get out her aggression," jokes Howes, 50, who shares a two-story colonial with Martin and their children in Livonia.

Dressed in her typical outfit of a T-shirt and jeans (she last remembers wearing a dress five years ago, at a wedding), Martin wields a 5-foot scrubbing brush at the car wash as dexterously as if she were flipping on a racing helmet.

She started mixing car wash chemicals and spraying vehicles 17 years ago, when she couldn't stand being a waitress in the smoking section of a Big Boy. Before that, she was a cashier at a drugstore and at Burger King.

"I barely made it out of high school," she says over the rumbling of the car wash on a Tuesday afternoon earlier this month, her voice full of plainspoken honesty. "I had wanted to join the military, but at 17, I got pregnant while I was in high school and that was the end of that idea. I was going to be a mom and start family life."

She has relished the mom part ever since, waking up at 6:30 a.m. to taxi her kids to school and getting home from the car wash in time to cook lasagna for dinner. She often takes the role to the dragway, like two Saturdays ago, when her youngest child, Ashley Martin, 12, called to ask her about sunblock.

"I don't want you tanning on somebody's roof," Martin tells her daughter between warm-ups with her Firebird.

Martin had filed for divorce by the time she found herself cleaning Fords and Chryslers. It was then that she first spotted Howes, who had bought the car wash three years before, pulling up to work in a 1989 burgundy Corvette.

"It was a nice car, but I didn't know how he could have spent so much money on it," Martin says, laughing. "Back then, I was broke."

What followed were dates of pizza and videos, and of course, watching muscle cars at the dragway.

Now, they drive out to Milan two days a week in what Martin deems their "quality time." With all the breaks between racing rounds, it's not rare for them to be at the drag strip for 12 hours each Saturday and Sunday.

It's there that Martin can kick back with the other racers, being her friendly, joking self - at least until she rolls her Firebird onto the quarter-mile drag strip, flips on the R&B and starts gazing at that yellow light.

"She's not intimidated by anyone," says Baxter, the race director. "She's a good winner and a good loser, but she tries damn hard not to lose."

Smart Women - Ask Patty!

   

Smart Woman Online: Ask Patty!

Today's Smart Woman Online comes with cheerleaders -- all the women out there who get treated like pests when they go to a car dealership to buy a car - if you're one, stop by and give her a Yeehaw! When we ladies decide to go out to our local car dealership to buy a car...we're most often ignored as if invisible. If we bring a man (just to get noticed!) but try to dominate the sale (because it's our car, after all), we're treated like a mouthy kid, or worse yet, expected to allow the man to do all the talking. Ever been there, ladies? Ever felt that growing burn coming up from your toes, spreading to your gut, up to your neck, threatening to blow the top of your head off? Yeah, you have.

Well, folks, there is hope. Lots of it. As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, I have a doozy planned today. Jody DeVere is the creator of AskPatty, a site that supports women in the automobile industry and she has some stories to tell...better than that - she's encouraging you to visit AskPatty and tell your own story!

Yvonne: I'm sure you're aware of the stat making the rounds of the net that says women influence or buy over 80% of the goods and services in the U.S. but, you're saying we also purchase over half the cars. That's huge. How do you know that?

Jody DeVere: Actually, Women either buy or influence the purchase of 85% of all new cars and trucks sold in the United States today. And automakers spend millions of dollars annually in advertising and marketing targeted specifically to women. These statistics are from JD Power and Associates ,the National Automobile Dealers Association and Ward's Auto .

Yvonne: According to Cars Magazine, as noted in your May 26th press release, --"the Women’s Automotive Association International based in Detroit Michigan has given their endorsement to “Ask Patty”, a division of CarsMagazine.com. “Ask Patty” is a women’s consumer website that provides a “safe” place for women consumers to ask questions about car purchases, car maintenance, repair, safety and car care." I didn't even know there was a Women's Automotive International! When did that come along?

Jody: The Women's Automotive Association International is the automotive industry's premier women's  professional organization, established in 1995, to -

 
• recognize the achievements of women in the industry
 
• provide educational e-news to automotive career-focused individuals
 
• build relationships through networking and other interactive forums
 
• and encourage growth through mentoring, educational endeavors, and scholarships

The focus of the Association is on the development and retention of women leaders and the education and support of all persons, without prejudice, who have an interest in the automotive industry.

Lorraine Schultz, who is based in Detroit, Michigan ("Motor City") is the ground breaker and visionary who founded the www.waai.com, she is currently our CEO. In 1995 Lorraine saw the need for a supportive automotive women's organization as there were so few women in senior management positions. Lorraine's support and WAAI programs over the past eleven years has paved the way, honored and inspired many women executives in the automotive industry today.  I am privileged to be the current president of this dynamic 500+ member automotive professional women's organization.

Ask Patty and CarsMagazine.com are very pleased and honored by the Women's Automotive Association International endorsement!

Yvonne: You have an "ask car and truck" category on the blog.  Wow! How many women drive trucks? (I have to confess. I’ve been thinking lately that my next vehicle should be a truck! Don't know why, they just seem attractive to me lately.)

Jody: Women now purchase roughly 40% of the 9.2 million sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks sold in the U.S. each year, according to auto research firm R.L. Polk. Mid-sized and compact models, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sportage and Ford Explorer, have been especially popular with female buyers.

Yvonne: Here in Rochester, we have a delightful and successful automobile dealership owned by a woman, Kitty Van Bortel. Do you have any idea how many automobile dealerships there are in the country? What kinds of stumbling blocks would a woman have to overcome to make herself successful in this male dominated world?

Jody: Kitty owns the top selling Subaru dealership in the nation, as well as one of the most successful Ford dealerships in a multi-state area. Her automotive group is now one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the greater Rochester, NY area. Kitty is respected woman among dealers.

She is one of the 750+ women owned new car franchised dealers in the US ( there are 21,145 total new car and truck franchised dealerships as of the end of 2005), which means ONLY 3.4% are solely owned by women. There are approximately 40,000 used car and truck or "independent" dealerships in the US , approximately 6000 RV dealer ships of which I do not have stats available on how many are owned by women - Yet!). However, there are many additional new car and truck franchised dealerships owned by couples or who are family owned with wives, daughters daughter- in-laws, nieces and granddaughters very involved in the day to day operations.

Stumbling blocks? I believe the auto industry is changing, there is more opportunity for women than ever. I attended the Automotive News 100 Leading Women Gala event last September, the most significant and notable change from the 2000 event was the "titles" women "owned."

In 2005 there were no Presidents or  Vice President women just "managers." In 2005, most all of the women were VP's , CEO's, President and or higher level executives. Also the attendance at the 2005 event was 900 and maybe 250 in 2000. A striking and very encouraging improvement in just five years. [cheerleaders - a little louder now!]

Like all male dominated industries, women like Kitty need to "out perform" their competitors to succeed, in automotive dealerships it’s all about selling more cars. Dealership women owners I personally know, all have a similar positive attitude, vision for what they want exactly, a commitment to customer service and they "really" care about their customers, employees and the communities they serve.

Yvonne: Tell us about the Lyn St John Foundation.

Jody: This is one of my favorite topics - If you think women in the automotive industry have it tough making it in a male dominated industry.........I believe women race car drivers have it THE toughest. For a woman to compete and get into the top of any race series, especially NASCAR, IRL or any side by side racing, they not only need talent, "wheel time," top level equipment and a first rate team, they also need to be skilled entrepreneurs to secure several million dollars each race season in corporate sponsorships to pay for all those $60,000 - $150,000 engines that get wrecked from time to time!

Getting corporate sponsorship to get women into the top flight equipment and on the best teams with the best crews is the crux of the matter. There are many talented drivers in the lower ranks. For some reason getting the "sponsorship dollars" and onto the top flight teams is the frustration of many talented women drivers, (and fans of women race drivers like me).

The Lyn St James Foundation provides young women race car drivers with a “driver development program." This program helps women drivers get an edge on how to better handle a race car and more importantly the business side of racing and how to be successful.

The four-day training course focuses on:

 
• Vehicle dynamics
 
• On-track driving at various locations
 
• Instruction and debriefings by mechanics
 
• Mental and physical health, preparation and fitness testing and training (developed by Human Performance International and administered by the National Institute for Fitness and Sports and Athlete's Performance)
 
• Public speaking and media training
 
• Seminars on the business of racing
 
• Presentations by leaders in various areas of motorsports

When Lyn St. James completed her first Indy 500 at the age of 45 (yes, ladies and gentlemen, 45 years old!), she was only the second woman in history to race in the event. Some doubted that a woman could keep up with male drivers, and Lyn struggled to get the sponsorship she needed to race. She took eleventh place, and became the first woman to be selected Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. [more cheers and backflips, please!]

Fueled by inspiration and limitless motivation, Lyn St. James managed to rise through the ranks and eventually become known as the American Woman Racing Icon of the Century. She is undoubtedly a testament to the power of determination and positive thinking.

Women drivers who have completed the Lyn St James driver development program and are nearing the top of their field are Danica Patrick, Deborah Renshaw, and Erin Crocker to name a few. Danica really has the whole package and just last weekend at Indianapolis Int'l Speedway placed 4th in the IRL series. Deborah and Erin still struggle to get major sponsors and top flight equipment and team owners. An interesting fact is that 50% of all NASCAR fans ARE women There are only two women drivers this season  in NASCAR you would think with that number of women NASCAR fans there would be more sponsorships for women racers. Deborah may run a short season. Keeping our fingers crossed. Deborah Renshaw is the highest ranking women driver in NASCAR with no ride or enough sponsorship for 2006 (yet).  Unbelievable!

In the NHRA series Melanie Troxel and Erica Enders have won championships in their respective series as drag racers. To learn more about the world of women race car drivers go to: www.thundervalleyracing.com The Editor Dr Karen Salvaggio is on the Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive expert women. Go here to learn more.

The Women's Automotive Association International supports the Lyn St James Foundation and provides scholarships for young women for the driver development program in honor of Deborah Renshaw. This scholarship will be presented August 3rd, 2006 at the Lyn St James annual "Women in the Winners Circle" luncheon in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ford Executive Vice President Anne Stevens will be the main speaker (she is a huge NASCAR fan). I personally feel it's going to take a group of high powered women business owners to take this challenge on by creating a "women racer corporate sponsorship fund" to finance the careers of these talented women to get them to the top!

Deborah Renshaw is also the daughter of an auto dealer, a graduate of Northwood University, worked for the National Automobile Dealer Association and Richard Petty Racing School! Deborah is heading up our advisory panel of expert automotive women. Go here for more info.

Okay, getting down off my women drivers need support "soapbox" now!

Yvonne: Wow! I took a lot of notes. So, are you a 'car geek'? I mean - I can't put the hood up on my car and make any sense out of the 'guts' of my car. Thankfully, I don't have to. My guy is very good at it and he takes good care of our car. Should I learn how to change the oil?

Jody: I own two cars, an RV and a Harley Davidson and I made the buying decisions. In my single days I used the dealership service centers.

Lucky for me the man in my life is an ASC Certified Master Mechanic (you do want any repair center you take your vehicles for repair into to have this certification...... by the way) and Service Director at a very busy automotive repair center.....so he takes care of the "car geek " issues...However, I do read the new car manual cover to cover on each new purchase so I understand my new machine and know when to change the oil and do other services on time. I recommend AAA Road Service, On-Star or a similar road side service for all women. I am a 30 year member of AAA on all my vehicles and have never been stranded alone in my vehicle on the road without help on the way 'pronto tonto' from AAA.

My dinner table conversation is of course about everything from "rear ends" to "front differentials" and yes, I can change the oil if needed. It will save money to learn to do this simple task your self. Any good parts house like Auto Zone or Pep Boys can sell you the filter, oil and a drainage tray and show you how to do it. What I recommend on car repair and service is to get better at describing the problem for the service advisor or car repair center by understanding your vehicle and doing some lite reading like Mary Jackson's book: Car Smarts

Yvonne: Here's another link from your blog that encourages me. Where did you find this site? Would you recommend it as required training for young girls? So...what are the top 5 things a woman should know about her car - before taking it in for repairs?

Jody: There is a shortage of ASC certified mechanics so women who would rather be a "car-geek" than a? This pays 40 - 100L + depending on the area of the country and if you work for a franchised dealership or a independent.

The problem is – helping young women find these great career opportunities. How many high schools showcase automotive careers for women on careers days as they consider what path to chose? For families who have no college fund, Bridgestone/Firestone has a great recruitment and training program for graduating seniors. For more information contact Northwood Edu, the finest automotive degree program university in the country.

Read more about Sandra Wingate and Concept Schools here and here.

Think of taking your car in for repairs and maintenance is like preparing for a visit to the doctors office:

1. Write down your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) located on your insurance certificate, DMV registration or on the dashboard on the left side front ).

3. Have records ready on the date of last service and what was done and by whom and copies of all prior services and what was done and by whom (I keep these in my glove box).

4. List of "due now" regular maintenance (in your car manual).

5. A WRITTEN list of ALL symptoms and problems, even if you don't think so, some small problems may be related to a BIG problem so best to "list all known issues" and discuss when you bring your vehicle in for service or repair as it will assist the service writer, mechanic or technician diagnose and recommend repair all the problems. Writing this all down before you call or visit will help you communicate better and feel more confident discussing the issues.

Yvonne: Tell us how you got into this unusual field. It's just not "female-friendly" so -- most woman would avoid it. Were you actually interested in learning about cars, or just determined to be independent when it came to buying and caring for your automobile?

Jody: 50% of all women are single (that 50% thing is getting to be a theme here) actually there are more women on Mother Earth than men! I, like many women, was a single parent of three children (all married now and have four beautiful grandkids), buying and caring for my vehicles was part of the "single mother” must do's. I learned out of need to take care of my cars.

I came to the automotive industry through the technology provider "back door." A colleague I had worked with in the past "recruited" me to do a consulting job for an automotive technology provider. It was love a first sight with the automotive industry and the rest is history! I am a true "car girl" as I have been known to be driving along and suddenly exclaim........"Wow...look at that new car....I need to get a closer look to see who makes it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" as I speed up to chase down some poor unsuspecting motorist, to peer with glee at their new awesome ride and give them a thumbs up!!!!!!! [call in the cheerleaders!]

Yvonne: I love the icon you've got on the blog. Who designed it? [image copyrighted: do not use without permission]

Jody: Thanks for the kudos's, I am very happy with Patty - The art department at CarsMagazine.com and of course myself, designed it. Patty was designed to be up to date, fun, friendly, smart, strong, savvy and multicultural in look and feel. Do you think we captured it?

Yvonne: Leave my readers with some inspiring news about the future of the car industry and how women fit into it.

Jody: Nowhere is the emerging presence of women more evident than the automotive industry, where women are making great strides in this once male-dominated environment.

In a recent article on the auto industry, The Cleveland Plain Dealer said, "The roller-coaster fortunes of the domestic automakers are part of the historical pattern, but this time there's a difference: women at GM and Ford will play starring roles in the attempted turnaround of both companies."

The article lists Ford Motor Company executives Anne Stevens, Nancy Gioia, Barbara Samardizch, Anne Belec, Sue Cischke, Deborah Coleman and Elena Ford as some of the key leaders in deciding the fate of the automotive business in the United States.

The automotive industry is not for the weak of heart or the faint of mind. Fear is not an option." said Stevens, recently appointed by Bill Ford as chief operating officer of The Americas and a chief architect of the "Way Forward" plan.

For women today the automotive industry is wide open. I speak with new young smart and savvy women to the automotive industry and encourage them to just “Go For It!" The opportunities abound in the following areas:

1. New Car and Truck Dealership Sales and Service (an $800 million dollar a year available market).

2. ASC Mechanics

3. Technology Providers.

4. Automotive Aftermarket Providers - All thinks that go on cars after they are sold (billions of dollars sold each year).

5. The RV industry.

6. Automotive marketing and publishing a billion dollar support industry alone.

7. Racing and Performance industry.

The Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive expert women are here to answer all your automotive questions, hear your car stories ( good and bad), provide interesting and educational content and discuss in a 'safe' and open ended conversation what YOU need to feel more empowered, confident and comfortable taking care of your automotive needs.

*****************************************************************

What else is there to add? FINALLY - a way for women to get taken seriously when buying a car. What could be better news? Thanks to Jody and all the others at Ask Patty. I know many, many of us will be tuning in on a regular basis.

NASCAR

Today's Smart Woman Online comes with cheerleaders -- all the women out there who get treated like pests when they go to a car dealership to buy a car - if you're one, stop by and give her a Yeehaw! When we ladies decide to go out to our local car dealership to buy a car...we're most often ignored as if invisible. If we bring a man (just to get noticed!) but try to dominate the sale (because it's our car, after all), we're treated like a mouthy kid, or worse yet, expected to allow the man to do all the talking. Ever been there, ladies? Ever felt that growing burn coming up from your toes, spreading to your gut, up to your neck, threatening to blow the top of your head off? Yeah, you have.

Well, folks, there is hope. Lots of it. As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, I have a doozy planned today. Jody DeVere is the creator of AskPatty, a site that supports women in the automobile industry and she has some stories to tell...better than that - she's encouraging you to visit AskPatty and tell your own story!

Yvonne: I'm sure you're aware of the stat making the rounds of the net that says women influence or buy over 80% of the goods and services in the U.S. but, you're saying we also purchase over half the cars. That's huge. How do you know that?

Jody DeVere: Actually, Women either buy or influence the purchase of 85% of all new cars and trucks sold in the United States today. And automakers spend millions of dollars annually in advertising and marketing targeted specifically to women. These statistics are from JD Power and Associates ,the National Automobile Dealers Association and Ward's Auto .

Yvonne: According to Cars Magazine, as noted in your May 26th press release, --"the Women’s Automotive Association International based in Detroit Michigan has given their endorsement to “Ask Patty”, a division of CarsMagazine.com. “Ask Patty” is a women’s consumer website that provides a “safe” place for women consumers to ask questions about car purchases, car maintenance, repair, safety and car care." I didn't even know there was a Women's Automotive International! When did that come along?

Jody: The Women's Automotive Association International is the automotive industry's premier women's  professional organization, established in 1995, to -

 
• recognize the achievements of women in the industry
 
• provide educational e-news to automotive career-focused individuals
 
• build relationships through networking and other interactive forums
 
• and encourage growth through mentoring, educational endeavors, and scholarships

The focus of the Association is on the development and retention of women leaders and the education and support of all persons, without prejudice, who have an interest in the automotive industry.

Lorraine Schultz, who is based in Detroit, Michigan ("Motor City") is the ground breaker and visionary who founded the www.waai.com, she is currently our CEO. In 1995 Lorraine saw the need for a supportive automotive women's organization as there were so few women in senior management positions. Lorraine's support and WAAI programs over the past eleven years has paved the way, honored and inspired many women executives in the automotive industry today.  I am privileged to be the current president of this dynamic 500+ member automotive professional women's organization.

Ask Patty and CarsMagazine.com are very pleased and honored by the Women's Automotive Association International endorsement!

Yvonne: You have an "ask car and truck" category on the blog.  Wow! How many women drive trucks? (I have to confess. I’ve been thinking lately that my next vehicle should be a truck! Don't know why, they just seem attractive to me lately.)

Jody: Women now purchase roughly 40% of the 9.2 million sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks sold in the U.S. each year, according to auto research firm R.L. Polk. Mid-sized and compact models, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sportage and Ford Explorer, have been especially popular with female buyers.

Yvonne: Here in Rochester, we have a delightful and successful automobile dealership owned by a woman, Kitty Van Bortel. Do you have any idea how many automobile dealerships there are in the country? What kinds of stumbling blocks would a woman have to overcome to make herself successful in this male dominated world?

Jody: Kitty owns the top selling Subaru dealership in the nation, as well as one of the most successful Ford dealerships in a multi-state area. Her automotive group is now one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the greater Rochester, NY area. Kitty is respected woman among dealers.

She is one of the 750+ women owned new car franchised dealers in the US ( there are 21,145 total new car and truck franchised dealerships as of the end of 2005), which means ONLY 3.4% are solely owned by women. There are approximately 40,000 used car and truck or "independent" dealerships in the US , approximately 6000 RV dealer ships of which I do not have stats available on how many are owned by women - Yet!). However, there are many additional new car and truck franchised dealerships owned by couples or who are family owned with wives, daughters daughter- in-laws, nieces and granddaughters very involved in the day to day operations.

Stumbling blocks? I believe the auto industry is changing, there is more opportunity for women than ever. I attended the Automotive News 100 Leading Women Gala event last September, the most significant and notable change from the 2000 event was the "titles" women "owned."

In 2005 there were no Presidents or  Vice President women just "managers." In 2005, most all of the women were VP's , CEO's, President and or higher level executives. Also the attendance at the 2005 event was 900 and maybe 250 in 2000. A striking and very encouraging improvement in just five years. [cheerleaders - a little louder now!]

Like all male dominated industries, women like Kitty need to "out perform" their competitors to succeed, in automotive dealerships it’s all about selling more cars. Dealership women owners I personally know, all have a similar positive attitude, vision for what they want exactly, a commitment to customer service and they "really" care about their customers, employees and the communities they serve.

Yvonne: Tell us about the Lyn St John Foundation.

Jody: This is one of my favorite topics - If you think women in the automotive industry have it tough making it in a male dominated industry.........I believe women race car drivers have it THE toughest. For a woman to compete and get into the top of any race series, especially NASCAR, IRL or any side by side racing, they not only need talent, "wheel time," top level equipment and a first rate team, they also need to be skilled entrepreneurs to secure several million dollars each race season in corporate sponsorships to pay for all those $60,000 - $150,000 engines that get wrecked from time to time!

Getting corporate sponsorship to get women into the top flight equipment and on the best teams with the best crews is the crux of the matter. There are many talented drivers in the lower ranks. For some reason getting the "sponsorship dollars" and onto the top flight teams is the frustration of many talented women drivers, (and fans of women race drivers like me).

The Lyn St James Foundation provides young women race car drivers with a “driver development program." This program helps women drivers get an edge on how to better handle a race car and more importantly the business side of racing and how to be successful.

The four-day training course focuses on:

 
• Vehicle dynamics
 
• On-track driving at various locations
 
• Instruction and debriefings by mechanics
 
• Mental and physical health, preparation and fitness testing and training (developed by Human Performance International and administered by the National Institute for Fitness and Sports and Athlete's Performance)
 
• Public speaking and media training
 
• Seminars on the business of racing
 
• Presentations by leaders in various areas of motorsports

When Lyn St. James completed her first Indy 500 at the age of 45 (yes, ladies and gentlemen, 45 years old!), she was only the second woman in history to race in the event. Some doubted that a woman could keep up with male drivers, and Lyn struggled to get the sponsorship she needed to race. She took eleventh place, and became the first woman to be selected Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. [more cheers and backflips, please!]

Fueled by inspiration and limitless motivation, Lyn St. James managed to rise through the ranks and eventually become known as the American Woman Racing Icon of the Century. She is undoubtedly a testament to the power of determination and positive thinking.

Women drivers who have completed the Lyn St James driver development program and are nearing the top of their field are Danica Patrick, Deborah Renshaw, and Erin Crocker to name a few. Danica really has the whole package and just last weekend at Indianapolis Int'l Speedway placed 4th in the IRL series. Deborah and Erin still struggle to get major sponsors and top flight equipment and team owners. An interesting fact is that 50% of all NASCAR fans ARE women There are only two women drivers this season  in NASCAR you would think with that number of women NASCAR fans there would be more sponsorships for women racers. Deborah may run a short season. Keeping our fingers crossed. Deborah Renshaw is the highest ranking women driver in NASCAR with no ride or enough sponsorship for 2006 (yet).  Unbelievable!

In the NHRA series Melanie Troxel and Erica Enders have won championships in their respective series as drag racers. To learn more about the world of women race car drivers go to: www.thundervalleyracing.com The Editor Dr Karen Salvaggio is on the Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive expert women. Go here to learn more.

The Women's Automotive Association International supports the Lyn St James Foundation and provides scholarships for young women for the driver development program in honor of Deborah Renshaw. This scholarship will be presented August 3rd, 2006 at the Lyn St James annual "Women in the Winners Circle" luncheon in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ford Executive Vice President Anne Stevens will be the main speaker (she is a huge NASCAR fan). I personally feel it's going to take a group of high powered women business owners to take this challenge on by creating a "women racer corporate sponsorship fund" to finance the careers of these talented women to get them to the top!

Deborah Renshaw is also the daughter of an auto dealer, a graduate of Northwood University, worked for the National Automobile Dealer Association and Richard Petty Racing School! Deborah is heading up our advisory panel of expert automotive women. Go here for more info.

Okay, getting down off my women drivers need support "soapbox" now!

Yvonne: Wow! I took a lot of notes. So, are you a 'car geek'? I mean - I can't put the hood up on my car and make any sense out of the 'guts' of my car. Thankfully, I don't have to. My guy is very good at it and he takes good care of our car. Should I learn how to change the oil?

Jody: I own two cars, an RV and a Harley Davidson and I made the buying decisions. In my single days I used the dealership service centers.

Lucky for me the man in my life is an ASC Certified Master Mechanic (you do want any repair center you take your vehicles for repair into to have this certification...... by the way) and Service Director at a very busy automotive repair center.....so he takes care of the "car geek " issues...However, I do read the new car manual cover to cover on each new purchase so I understand my new machine and know when to change the oil and do other services on time. I recommend AAA Road Service, On-Star or a similar road side service for all women. I am a 30 year member of AAA on all my vehicles and have never been stranded alone in my vehicle on the road without help on the way 'pronto tonto' from AAA.

My dinner table conversation is of course about everything from "rear ends" to "front differentials" and yes, I can change the oil if needed. It will save money to learn to do this simple task your self. Any good parts house like Auto Zone or Pep Boys can sell you the filter, oil and a drainage tray and show you how to do it. What I recommend on car repair and service is to get better at describing the problem for the service advisor or car repair center by understanding your vehicle and doing some lite reading like Mary Jackson's book: Car Smarts

Yvonne: Here's another link from your blog that encourages me. Where did you find this site? Would you recommend it as required training for young girls? So...what are the top 5 things a woman should know about her car - before taking it in for repairs?

Jody: There is a shortage of ASC certified mechanics so women who would rather be a "car-geek" than a? This pays 40 - 100L + depending on the area of the country and if you work for a franchised dealership or a independent.

The problem is – helping young women find these great career opportunities. How many high schools showcase automotive careers for women on careers days as they consider what path to chose? For families who have no college fund, Bridgestone/Firestone has a great recruitment and training program for graduating seniors. For more information contact Northwood Edu, the finest automotive degree program university in the country.

Read more about Sandra Wingate and Concept Schools here and here.

Think of taking your car in for repairs and maintenance is like preparing for a visit to the doctors office:

1. Write down your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) located on your insurance certificate, DMV registration or on the dashboard on the left side front ).

3. Have records ready on the date of last service and what was done and by whom and copies of all prior services and what was done and by whom (I keep these in my glove box).

4. List of "due now" regular maintenance (in your car manual).

5. A WRITTEN list of ALL symptoms and problems, even if you don't think so, some small problems may be related to a BIG problem so best to "list all known issues" and discuss when you bring your vehicle in for service or repair as it will assist the service writer, mechanic or technician diagnose and recommend repair all the problems. Writing this all down before you call or visit will help you communicate better and feel more confident discussing the issues.

Yvonne: Tell us how you got into this unusual field. It's just not "female-friendly" so -- most woman would avoid it. Were you actually interested in learning about cars, or just determined to be independent when it came to buying and caring for your automobile?

Jody: 50% of all women are single (that 50% thing is getting to be a theme here) actually there are more women on Mother Earth than men! I, like many women, was a single parent of three children (all married now and have four beautiful grandkids), buying and caring for my vehicles was part of the "single mother” must do's. I learned out of need to take care of my cars.

I came to the automotive industry through the technology provider "back door." A colleague I had worked with in the past "recruited" me to do a consulting job for an automotive technology provider. It was love a first sight with the automotive industry and the rest is history! I am a true "car girl" as I have been known to be driving along and suddenly exclaim........"Wow...look at that new car....I need to get a closer look to see who makes it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" as I speed up to chase down some poor unsuspecting motorist, to peer with glee at their new awesome ride and give them a thumbs up!!!!!!! [call in the cheerleaders!]

Yvonne: I love the icon you've got on the blog. Who designed it? [image copyrighted: do not use without permission]

Jody: Thanks for the kudos's, I am very happy with Patty - The art department at CarsMagazine.com and of course myself, designed it. Patty was designed to be up to date, fun, friendly, smart, strong, savvy and multicultural in look and feel. Do you think we captured it?

Yvonne: Leave my readers with some inspiring news about the future of the car industry and how women fit into it.

Jody: Nowhere is the emerging presence of women more evident than the automotive industry, where women are making great strides in this once male-dominated environment.

In a recent article on the auto industry, The Cleveland Plain Dealer said, "The roller-coaster fortunes of the domestic automakers are part of the historical pattern, but this time there's a difference: women at GM and Ford will play starring roles in the attempted turnaround of both companies."

The article lists Ford Motor Company executives Anne Stevens, Nancy Gioia, Barbara Samardizch, Anne Belec, Sue Cischke, Deborah Coleman and Elena Ford as some of the key leaders in deciding the fate of the automotive business in the United States.

The automotive industry is not for the weak of heart or the faint of mind. Fear is not an option." said Stevens, recently appointed by Bill Ford as chief operating officer of The Americas and a chief architect of the "Way Forward" plan.

For women today the automotive industry is wide open. I speak with new young smart and savvy women to the automotive industry and encourage them to just “Go For It!" The opportunities abound in the following areas:

1. New Car and Truck Dealership Sales and Service (an $800 million dollar a year available market).

2. ASC Mechanics

3. Technology Providers.

4. Automotive Aftermarket Providers - All thinks that go on cars after they are sold (billions of dollars sold each year).

5. The RV industry.

6. Automotive marketing and publishing a billion dollar support industry alone.

7. Racing and Performance industry.

The Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive expert women are here to answer all your automotive questions, hear your car stories ( good and bad), provide interesting and educational content and discuss in a 'safe' and open ended conversation what YOU need to feel more empowered, confident and comfortable taking care of your automotive needs.

*****************************************************************

What else is there to add? FINALLY - a way for women to get taken seriously when buying a car. What could be better news? Thanks to Jody and all the others at Ask Patty. I know many, many of us will be tuning in on a regular basis.