ALMS: Female Friendly, Fan Friendly, Global Leader in Green Racing

American Le Mans Series: To Tomorrow. Faster 
. . . a mantra that resonates with women!

Inspired by the ultimate endurance test for man and machine – the 24 hours of Le Mans – the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is considered the hottest racing series in North America. The series attracts some of the best drivers and most technologically advanced racing machines in the world.

ALMS has a commitment to driving progress through innovative, relevant and environmentally responsible motorsport competition that is worthy of the series’ rich heritage, world-class competitors and the devotion of race fans worldwide.

Speed with safety, style and amenities, supportive family-friendly crews and spectators make this sport particularly appealing to women. The Petit Le Mans, the series annual flagship event held at Road Atlanta, is a 4-day road racing festival comprised of 9 different racing series and 12 thrilling races including the legendary Petit Le Mans 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance race.

As with all ALMS events, this was a FAN FRIENDLY EVENT! All fans have unprecedented access to free driver autograph sessions and chats, tech talks, and an open paddock where they can mingle with the cars, drivers and race teams all week long. Minutes before the engines start, all fans are invited to come over the wall, walk the starting grid, meet the teams, ask questions, and wish them luck. Where else does that happen?

Obvious at the recent rain-soaked 12th running of the Petit Le Mans, were the number of women present as drivers, team owners, crew members and fans!

Melanie Snow – co-owner and winning driver of #56 Snow Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Challenge Cup Series (read: Track Chic’s Woman behind the Wheels)
Andrea Robertson – co-owner and driver Robertson Racing #40 Ford GTMK7 G2 Class
Elspeth, Lady Drayson – co owner and Team CEO #88 LM P1 Drayson Racing
Anna Hoye – Crew Member PrimeTime Race Group……
Susan Brown & Tessa Tape – Crew Members Risi Competzione Ferrari 430GT
Simona De Silvestro – driver and tied for points-leader in the Atlantic Championship Series powered by Mazda

ALMS connects their brand to race fans and auto enthusiasts through their core attributes: Relevant technology, Authentic Competition, and Green Racing Leadership.

As their 2010 logo attests, ALMS works closely with the EPA, DOE and SAE and earned the designation as “Leader l Green Racing”, a cause that women are committed to. More than going fast, women appreciate initiatives such as the Michelin Green-X Challenge that rewards those who goes the farthest, the fastest with the smallest impact on the environment.

Other ALMS partnerships include Green Earth Technologies G-Oil used as the official motor oil; Freescale, creators of semi-conductors and electronics that make cars greener; and, Yokohama ADVAN ENV-R1 orange oil–infused tires.

The series also supports the Nature Conservancy Adopt-An-Acre and Green Park program by planting trees in each race market.

This year, Dyson Racing debuted a unique ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans in the team’s LMP2 #16 Lola-Mazda. And Paul, Lord Drayson, UK’s Science Minister, driver and co-owner of Drayson Racing, announced his team’s commitment to campaign the #88 LMP1 Judd V10-powered Lola B09/60 for a full North American 2010 season using the sport as a catalyst to advance environmental technologies. Drayson Racing will use its Lola–Judd prototype as a test bed for environmentally forward-thinking and a dynamic platform to develop and advance new technologies for improved efficiency and performance.

Track Chics care deeply about Going Green–Faster!

We will be following these campaigns and sharing the teams’ struggles and successes as we all strive to be environmentally responsible, reduce our carbon footprint, and in the words of Crosby, Stills, Nash  and Young …”teach our children well”.
Stay tuned for updates!

THE ELEGANT LADY RETURNS TO AMERICAN LE MANS … JAGUAR IS BACK!

THE FIRST LADY OF RACING, JANET GUTHRIE, turned wrenches on her 1953 Jaguar XK 120 coupe and campaigned the elegant machine back in the early 1960s. At the beginning of 1963 she acquired a 1956 Jaguar XK 140 roadster to begin her Sports Car Club of America career as a professional race car driver. I’ve always cringed at the stories in her book, Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle of trading paint, banging and bashing during aggressive gymkhanas and hill climb competitions. Determined to arrive first at the finish line, Guthrie did not mind the repair work required afterword. Janet Guthrie shared as much admiration for her Jaguar as her beloved machine did for the courageous woman piloting behind the wheel.

Jaguar has been involved in motorsport since the company was founded by Sir William Lyons in 1922. The Coventry-based luxury car manufacturer has seven times won the world's toughest endurance race at Le Mans. Jaguar has twice been World Sports Car Champions, and in 1956 the company won both Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally in the same year.

The roll call of drivers who have raced Jaguars reads like a Who's Who of motorsport. In the 1950s, Mike Hawthorn, Paul Frere, Duncan Hamilton and Stirling Moss were regulars with the Jaguar team. Jackie Stewart (and his brother Jimmy), Sir Jack Brabham, Briggs Cunningham, Graham Hill and others all drove Jaguars during their successful racing careers.

But in my mind, Jaguar and Janet Guthrie are one and the same – elegant, sophisticated, determined, capable, tenacious – and represent the refined beauty of motorsports.

I was privileged to join executives from ACO (Automobile Club De l’Ouest), American Le Mans, Yokohama, Bosch Motorsport ECU at Road Atlanta during the Petit Le Mans as Paul Gentilozzi, RSR team owner and Connell John O’Donnell, Global Marketing Director for Jaguar proudly announced Jaguar’s return to the American Le Mans Series.

The body work features a design that is based on the Jaguar XKR and was completed in the Jaguar Advance Design Studio headed by chief designer Iam Callum. The body has undergone intensive computation fluid dynamic work, known as CFD, by the Jaguar aerodynamics department. Information from the CFD was then incorporated in the finished body work which was made in clay at the RSR facility. Over 1100 man hours were spent during the clay process. The carbon fiber composite body work was molded and produced by a local company in Michigan and conforms to the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) guidelines.

“The end result is a GT2 car that contains the DNA and the spirit of the Jaguar Design Department and the production car" comments Gentilozzi.

A five time Trans-Am Series Champion, Gentilozzi will wear multiple hats for the team, as not only the owner but also one of the three drivers designated to run at the Petit Le Mans. He will be joined with Sports car veterans American Scott Pruett and Belgian Marc Goossens. During the testing and development process these seasoned drivers will play a key role in getting the Jaguar XKR up to speed for a strong fight in 2010.

Gentilozzi’s relationship with Jaguar dates back to 2000 when he built and raced Jaguar XKRs in the North American Trans-Am Series. In their tenure together, 66 starts were made, 31 of those resulted in team wins with an additional four victories by chassis/customer cars. This led to five Manufacturers’ and five Drivers’ Championships from 2000-2006 with Paul Gentilozzi, Scott Pruett and Klaus Graf. The Jaguar XKR was also entered in the famed 24 Hours of Daytona, where it earned the pole and win in the GTS Class in 2002.

The Jaguar XKR will compete for a full American Le Mans Series season 2010. It is hard to believe that William Lyons original production of sidecars for motorcycles in the 1920s has grown to this Beautiful Jaguar XKR Beast of a racing machine for ALMS 2010. But grown she has; the Lady is back and she is “track chic”!

… ahhh, if only there were a woman behind the wheel… soon

JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER … AND THE STORY OF THE BUGATTI QUEEN’S DETERMINED CHAMPION, SHERYL GREENE

I first learned of Sheryl Greene in Indianapolis this July while attending the Lyn St James Women in the Winner’s Circle Awards Ceremony with other motorsports executives. Her fascination with women in motorsports was recently sparked by an interesting book cover she spotted in a favorite bookshop in Atlanta’s quaint Little Five Points neighborhood.

The book, “The Bugatti Queen, In Search of a French Racing Legend”, by Miranda Seymour, (www.mirandaseymour.com ), explores the life and times of a forgotten Speed Demon, Helle Nice, a French born trapeze artist and co-star of Maurice Chevalier who abandoned her perch at the fashionable Casino de Paris for the danger of the racing circuit.

A fortunate relationship with French car maker, Jean Bugatti, fueled Helle’s racing career. Whether the relationship was romantic or merely friendly, no one is certain. Nonetheless, Bugatti was impressed by Helle Nice’s skill and agreed to lend her the Bugatti in December 1929 to compete in a 10-mile race near Paris. She successful clocked an amazing 118 miles per hour.

Eventually, Helle bought the Bugatti in March 1930, for $1,600 -- the original invoice, for 40,000 francs, is pasted into a collector’s scrapbook -- and spent the next four seasons behind its wheel as one the world's few female grand prix drivers.

Sheryl was intrigued, absorbed (hmmm, and maybe delightfully obsessed?) by the Bugatti Queen’s fast-paced story and in a “Julie & Julia” fashion, followed along as Helle’s career travels to scores of exotic places, like Monte Carlo, Rio and Casablanca, and to some of the world’s most famous racetracks, setting records that still stand today. But after decades of excitement and adventure, Helle Nice fell into obscurity. Having once lived in a fashionable residence in Paris and being the toast of the town, Helle died broken and penniless. She is buried in an unmarked grave/crypt outside Paris, France.

Not at all happy with the ending to this story, Sheryl is determined to pay tribute to this racing pioneer. What started as a lighthearted summer read has now transformed into Sheryl's life mission. She has single-handedly formed a non-profit organization to honor “The Fastest Women in the World” and promote global gender equality in racing through education and funding for women in motorsports.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Helle Nice’s death, and it is the intention of the Helle Nice Foundation to officially mark her final resting place and pay tribute to a woman who dedicated her adult life to auto racing in a sport with very few women. The plan is to have the grave marker placed in the Fall of 2010 at her gravesite outside Paris, France.

Sheryl is planning fun car rallies throughout the US and Europe as well as Vintage Bugatti and Exotic Car Shows and other unique fundraising events. Want to get involved? If you, or perhaps your car club, want to show your support for Speed, Style & Sisterhood and the forgotten Bugatti Queen, contact:

The Helle Nice Foundation, Inc.
Sheryl A. Greene
Email: hellenicefoundation@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/11/4b3/662
404-429-9600

RESPECT. HOPE. OPPORTUNITY. PREPARATION

Track Chic was privileged to celebrate THE SEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE WINNER's CIRCLE AWARDS CEREMONY with Lyn St. James, a special tribute to the significant accomplishments and bright future for women in racing. It was great to see favorite Track Chics from prior years, including Megan Reitenour, Tiffany Daniels, Samantha Taylor, Brandie Jass and Natalie Fenaroli and share their success stories from the last time we met.

Many new faces were visible at this year’s awards ceremony, including Alesi Gerthe, the 2008 highest nationally ranked female in IHRA Quick Rod, and Simona de Silvestro who currently holds the points lead in the Mazda Atlantic Championship Series.

All women shared that same fierce determination to succeed in the sport they love … and their parents shared immense pride for their daughters’ enormous accomplishments. Their stories were inspiring and illustrated just how far women have come in motorsports today.

It was equally inspiring to be surrounded by the support of notables in the industry, including Mike Helton, President NASCAR, Tom Compton, President NHRA, John Saunders, President International Speedway Corp., Joie Chitwood, then President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Max Siegel, The 909 Group/NASCAR Drive For Diversity Program, and so many others. Their commitment and support will help change the face of the future of motorsports.

While currently the number of female drivers competing in the elite series is limited, we are making progress. Although NASCAR currently has no women racing in the Sprint Cup Series, there are some real powerhouses coming up through the ranks, with Laura Hayes, Emily Sue Steck, Katie Hagar, Megan Reitenour, Tiffany Daniels, Natalie Sather and Mackena Bell currently tearing up the tracks with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program.

IndyCar boasts three women behind the wheels: Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick and Milka Duno. Of the three, only Danica Patrick races full time. However, Sarah Fisher has made history as the first female to drive and own an IRL team. It was great to talk with Sarah at the ceremony; she is a role model - as both an athlete and an entrepreneur - for so many women competing today.

NHRA, however, has been putting women in the winner’s circle for decades. NHRA boasts 43 women who have raced in the top series since the 1970’s, with 11 pickup wins in the top tier of Drag Racing. Two of the series most recognizable faces are women, Ashley Force Hood and Hillary Will. Thirty years ago, it was Shirley Muldowney that became the first in the top drag racing series to capture three consecutive season titles. "She did that before any man had done that," said veteran NHRA Driver Melanie Troxel, also attending the event. "I think we were a little ahead of other motorsports."

The LSJ Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation remains dedicated to continuing to train, advocate and educate for diversity in racing. To date, the Foundation has trained more than 250 women drivers from 38 states and five countries through their Driver Development Academy. With a commitment to Respect, Hope, Opportunity and Preparation, there will be many, many more. To learn more about how you can participate, visit: http://www.lynstjames.com

 

LIFE IS SHORT. RACE HARD. LIVE GREEN.

LEILANI MUNTER is a self proclaimed vegetarian, hippie chick racer who lives by the mantra:

“Life is short. Race hard. Live green."

Born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, to a Hawaiian mother and German father, Leilani combines the best of both heritages into her racing career and Eco Dream Team. The evolutionary path suits this “Carbon Free Girl” perfectly.

Leilani attended the University of California in San Diego and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her school years she worked as a model, and also started to race on the amateur SCCA race circuit. She was hooked. Her talents behind the wheel were obvious.

"My passionis racing. Biology would have been the secure, responsible choice but I went with my heart."

In 2007 Leilani became the fourth woman in history to race in the Indy Pro Series, the developmental league of IndyCar. She impressed the open wheel racing world when she qualified 5th for her debut. Sports Illustrated declared her “one of the top ten female drivers in the world”.

Blending her exotic, free-spirited instincts with the discipline and focus required of a professional race car driver, Leilani also fulfills her keen interest in science as “The Carbon Free Girl “and share’s her journey to be carbon neutral by purchasing an acre of rainforest for every race she runs to offset her carbon footprint. The mission of Leilani's Eco Dream Team is to send powerful messages to the number one spectator sport in America, calling to action 100 million race fans in the US to make a difference by spreading environmental awareness about sustainable living alternatives, clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, and environmental legislation. Knowledge is power and Leilani wants to spread that power to the race fans. Additionally, Leilani hopes her efforts will encourage racing sanctioning bodies to increase their environmental initiatives with expanded recycling programs and the use of alternative fuels.

Track Chic talked with Leilani after her May 11th-13th competition in the Oslo, Norway Viking Rally Zero Emission Vehicles challenge, Stretching from Oslo to Stavenger, the road rally is a combination of hill climbs, slaloms and drag race competitions throughout Norway’s scenic southern and western coasts. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon and Henning Solberg participated in the first leg of the competition. For zero emission vehicles only, the Viking Rally is proof that environmentalism can be fun.

"I was just enjoying the moment and having a lot of fun! The Viking Rally was a very cymbolic event bringing together people from all over the world to promte clean energy vehicles and it was wonerful to have so many high profile people attend and bring attention to it!"

The hydrogen fuel cell of Leilani’s 65kW Horsepower, hydrogen fuelled Ford Focus for Team Hunt & Carbon Free Girl has harmless emissions of pure water and heat … so pure that Leilani could drink the water from the exhaust!

"I did drink the water from my exhaust and yes,
it was a very powerful reality!
Exhaust so clean you can drink it!"

Meet LEILANI and learn more on www.TRACKCHIC.com …
(images courtesy of Leilani Munter, www.LeilaniMunter.com,
Richard Russel, Lake Norman Magazine)

BELLINIS, FLAPJACKS AND FRANKFURTERS!

Memorial Day Weekend is without a doubt one of my favorite weekends. Starting with racing’s pinnacle event, the Grand Prix de Monaco, it’s a champagne start to a weekend of non-stop racing … and food!

You can’t enjoy Monaco’s Grand Prix without first enjoying a few luscious Peach Bellinis from the famed Hotel Du Cap, in nearby Cap D’Antibes. Known for its celebrity clientele, gourmet menus and luxurious surroundings, Hotel du Cap sits only 17 miles from the picturesque Principality. With its winding narrow streets, hairpin turns, and elevation shifts, the Circuit de Monaco is considered the ultimate test of a driver’s skills. For the fans, the event is a blur of speed, sea views and celebrity – an event unmatched by any other.

How often do you mingle over cocktails with Robin Williams, John Travolta, Cuba Gooding, Jr., HRH Prince Albert and others – my husband even sang opera in the hotel’s mensroom with Paul Sorvino! This is the fun of Monaco’s Grand Prix, and the power of Hotel du Cap's famous Peach Bellinis!

Luckily, the drivers are tucked away quietly as they prepare for the biggest race of the season. It will be interesting to see if the miracle workers are able to pull off another win for Brawn GP that the Honda Team never could. I love it when the underdogs are victorious – and relieved that the “diffuser gang’s” technical regs comply with The FIA’s applicable regulations.

Back in the states the INDY 500 cranks its engines soon after the F1 Victor’s anthem is celebrated on the podium in Monaco – and you know what that means, PANCAKES!

In addition to the Indy 500’s famous “Flapjacks at the Track” the event bills itself as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”. Zillions of enthusiastic fans pride themselves in creative food (and drink!) concoctions. More exotic offerings include Mango Jalapeno Slaw and Barbecued Catfish Sandwiches, while aromas of Andouille Stuffed Porkloins, Mocha Java Rubbed Grilled Sirloins, and Hickory Smoked Ribs tempt the appetites of hungry fans. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers and funnel cakes for the traditionalists ...

…but if it’s Hot Dogs that really rev your engine, nobody does it better than NASCAR! The Coca Cola 600 oval shaped quarter-mile grill at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend definitely takes the checkered flag. Assembled on the racetrack’s frontstretch and pit road, the girl will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star, Tyler Florence, host of “Tyler’s Ultimate” and author of “Dinner at My Place” and “Stirring the Pot”. Joining Chef Florence will be some of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and racing legend Bobby Allison.

Thousands of families will also celebrate speed and smorgasbords trackside at their favorite local dirt tracks, drag strips and Quarter Midget Tracks.

So “CHEERS!" to all the race fans and food fans!
This is our weekend for Track Chics to crank up the grills and cheer our favorite drivers to the finish line … no matter what track, country, circuit or driver … Memorial Day Race Weekend promises something for all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and faithful fans to celebrate our passion for Speed, Sisterhood and smokin' summertime grills!

Bon Appetit et Bon Courage!

(Images courtesy of Alpha-B-fr and Worth Canoy)

CHARLOTTE's SPEEDSTREET - THE UTLIMATE SPEEDWEEK EVENT

For more than 25 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events.

Food Lion promises another great lineup again this year and will once again transform the streets of Uptown Charlotte May 21st-23rd into a showcase of motor sports and entertainers. Three stages are dedicated to autograph sessions with your favorite drivers, including Richard Petty, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, dynamic exhibits and non-stop musical performances.

Speedstreet really knows how to throw a party, best of all it’s free! What a great way to gear up for a fun race weekend, check out this schedule:

MILLER LITE STAGE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 21st
6:30 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Country Champion
8:00 PM Bridgette Tatum
9:30 PM Miller Lite Presents: Jason Aldean

Friday, May 22nd
5:45 PM Simplified
7:15 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Rock Champion: Otherwoods
9:15 PM Miller Lite Presents: Lifehouse

Saturday, May 23rd
12:00 PM Doug Davis Band
2:00 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series 3rd Place Winner: S.O. Stereo
4:00 PM Britt Price
6:00 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Runer Up: Another Day Falls
8:00 PM Green RIver Ordinance
9:30 PM Miller Lite Presents: Gavin DeGraw

COCA COLA STAGE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 21st
12:00 PM Opening Ceremonies: Speedway Children’s Charities Check Presentation
6:15 PM Skate Rink Jukebox
7:45 PM Sound Riot
9:15 PM Coca Cola Presents: Bell Biv Devoe

Friday, May 22nd
7:00 PM “Trackside Live” on SPEED
8:00 PM Coca Cola Racing Family
9:30 PM Chevrolet Presents: Rodney Atkins

Saturday, May 23rd
12:00 PM Bobby Messano and NBO
1:45 PM Contagious Blues Band
3:45 PM McKenzies Mill
5:45 PM Girls Guns and Glory
7:45 PM Jonathon Sigleton and the Grove
9:15 PM Coca Cola Presents: Clint Black

WANT MORE?
UltimateRaceDay is hosting its inaugural SmashUp on Saturday, May 22nd at Dale Earnhardt, Jr’s Whiskey River at the EpiCentre in Charlotte. If you haven’t yet visited the Whiskey River, it’s a cool blend or rock and country music, VIP tables, mechanical bullriding, live music, DJs and more. The tweet-up starts at the Mechanical Bull bar from 6-9 pm … and then … ?

Join the movement, get on the mailing list at http://www.ultimateraceday.com
Founded by Stephanie Agresta (@stephagresta) and Chris McCaffrey (@chrismccaffrey) Ultimate Race Day creates a unique and highly visible networking and personal branding events by facilitating real world interaction and providing everything attendees need to blog and tweet the experience. Get ready race fans, it’s party time!