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