Driver Spotlight: Maddy~Ryan Mulligan

Maddy~Ryan Mulligan

Madyson  “Maddy~Ryan” Mulligan began racing Bandolero's in 2012 at the age of 12.  She just wrapped up her 2nd season.  She finished second in points in her first year.  In her second year she won The Bandolero Track Championship at Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA. She also won the VA State Bandolero State Campionship.  She worked very had this past year and was 100% determined to achieve the Championships.

 Maddy Ryan is a very busy girl. She is an honor roll student, race car driver, varsity cheerleader, previously was a school wrestler (on a boys team) and she also works part time.  She also is enrolled in a marketing class for racing to learn how to promote her passion.  She does not have a lot of free time; however, when she does, she enjoys spending it with friends and family or helping others out. Maddy said, “My proudest moment is when I won my "First Victory."  My goal for 2014 is to finish in the Top 10 in points in my Pro Six @ Langley Speedway.”

 In 2014 Season she will be driving a full body Pro Six to prepare for a Late Model Stock Car. Some of her biggest challenges were being involved in a few wrecks, and being defeated in her first year by others. According to Maddy, “I overcame this by making a comeback this year with hard work, determination and dedication.”   What draws her to racing is, "the speed and the smell of the rubber on the track.  The speed of racing is such an adrenaline rush, there is nothing else like it."  She admires Brad Keselowski for promoting the "Do not drink and drive campaign."  She holds this close to her heart.  She strongly believes in this campaign.

I asked Maddy what makes her stand out as a driver. She responded, “I am a FEMALE race car driver, that started racing at age 12 without a "driver’s license," and that I won my Track and State Championship in just my second year of racing.”

 My Facebook can be found under... Maddy Ryan Racing

 My Twitter can be found under MaddyMulligan07

 My Instagram can be found under  Maddyryanracing07

Driver Spotlight: Selina English

 Selina English

Selina English races a VS Commodore in Production Sedans which is a national sedan racing division. She has been involved in Speedway since 1996; She started as a passenger in a race car, then became a lap scorer in 2002; club secretary 2003 - 2006 and 2009 - current) for the Gympie Saloon Car Club. Her partner’s children race and with a spare race car in the shed she said, “I thought I would give it a go.” She started racing in 2010 in a standard state class but with the introduction of Production Sedans to Queensland she moved to that division in 2012.

Selina’s proudest moment so far is her 10th place in the 2012/13 Production Sedan Victorian State Title, especially as it was their first season to travel interstate with this division. Her continuing goal is to improve my racing ability; with a National Title at her home track she has the opportunity to compete against many other interstate drivers. She is passionate about her racing division and her goal is to continue to promote this division and have success in her travels interstate. Selina’s role model is Super Sedan driver, Darren Kane; she also enjoys watching Nascar and Danica Patrick's rookie racing.

According to Selina the challenges she has faced are, “Learning to race as an adult (not in Junior competition) and becoming comfortable with the race car to know what changes need to be made for handling.” She said she has dealt with these challenges by, “listening to experienced drivers in similar divisions has helped me with this knowledge.”

 My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/selina.english

Girls Race 2 Stickers

 

2" x 6" vinyl sticker, $2.50 each free shipping in the U.S. All proceeds go to my 2 little girls' racing fund.

 

Click here to order yours today: http://shoppingcart-27831.safestorefront.com/Merchant/

 

Thank you Colville Printing for sponsoring this fund raiser!!

 

 

Driver Spotlight: Olivia Thayer

Olivia Thayer

Olivia Thayer is 9 years old. She currently races karts. She was age waivered to Jr. Sportsman 2 Champ and finished 2^nd in points. Towards the end of the season she started running a flat kart in Jr. Sportsman 2 as well. This was only her 2^nd year racing at Hunterstown Speedway in PA. Next season she hopes to further her racing career by experiencing some new tracks.

Olivia has grown up in a family with a strong love for racing. She would attend sprint car races at our local track, she was taken to watch the karts at Hunterstown, watched every NASCAR race and begged to go to a NASCAR race for her fifth birthday. She attended Richmond and sat watching and glued to the track for the entire race, witnessing Denny Hamlin take the win. After watching the karts run at Hunterstown she said, "I wanna race.”

Olivia's proudest moment in her racing career was receiving the Rookie of the Year award at Hunterstown Speedway last year. Her goal for this season was to win one or more races. That has been accomplished so however the rest of the season plays out, she's still happy to have met her goal! What she loves most about racing- "being behind the wheel, the speed, and learning everything I can."

This young girl has many heroes in the sport of racing "Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Brian Monteith, Logan Schuchart, Jacob Allen, Johnny Eckard, Travis Keiser, Cody Oliver, the Harshmans and many more!" One of the biggest challenges she has faced in her career so far is people close to her NOT believing in her. She didn’t let this get to her. She just simply goes out every race and gives it her all. She says, “You will never please everyone!”

This young girl has been through a lot. According to her mom, “she is much stronger than people realize and has a heart made fully of gold.” When she was only 4 years old she watched in fright as her 1 year old brother seized in her mother’s arms followed by many more seizures in the years after. This is why Olivia chose the color purple. Purple represents the color of Epilepsy awareness. With all of the focus on her brother and his health you would think that racing would be her “thing” and the focus would be on her but she chose to include him in it as well. The first way was by choosing purple as her racing color. The second way was to have her helmet painted with a picture of her holding her baby brother’s purple hand.

To learn more about this selfless little girl and her racing career visit and like her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thayerracing11

Creating a Free Racing Website

 

Creating a Free Racing Website

 

 

I originally used the GoDaddy website you can purchase that was supposed to be easy and inexpensive. I didn't find it easy or convenient and of course there was a cost involved. When our subscription for the year was up I did some research on creating a free website. Let's face it the sport of racing is expensive enough I don't need added costs that I can avoid. I'm sure most of you are in the same boat. I came across another racer's website that was created by Weebly. I decided to check out what this system had to offer. To my surprise it was extremely easy and best of all FREE!!

 

I signed up for the free website. It offered 5 pages and allows you to customize your pictures, text, layouts, etc. Check out our website www.opaticracing.weebly.com I still have my original domain name www.opaticracing.com through GoDaddy which I will now point to the Weebly site (still working on this aspect.) Weebly can also help you register your own domain name. I am so impressed that I wanted to share this info.

 

Try it today and let me know what you think!!   

Driver Spotlight: Carissa June

Carissa June

Carissa June loved driving quads at her family home. Her neighbor noticed her passion for speed and sold a kart to Carissa’s grandfather. After some discussion with her parents, that following weekend they were off to the kart track for her first race. Carissa is in her 5th year of racing, the 2nd year racing her slingshot.

The proudest moment that Carissa has had in her racing career is when she won a race for her brother. After her brother was sent off to military boot camp she told him she’d win a race for him when he came back home; and that’s just what she did. Carissa said, “When he came back home, he came to my races and I took first place.”

Everyone has challenges in their career. Carissa has faced the same challenge that many racers do; raising funds to compete in the sport. She is doing her best to obtain sponsors. Another issue she’s had to face is when she tells people that she’s a racer they say it’s all “left turns.” Carissa’s response to this is, “There will always be people who won't see something like you do but if you know that it's more than just left turns then let it be. All that matters is your opinion and if you love what you do.”

Carissa has a few people in the sport of racing she looks up to. One of these drivers is Trevor Bayne. The other is not a household name but has had an impact on Carissa. His name is Steven Reynolds. He is a family friend and after she went to one of his races she fell in love with the sport.

Carissa’s goal for the season is to get at least 1-3 first place finishes at Accord Speedway. She hopes that one day she’ll be able to make it to ARCA and then be able to take it all the way to NASCAR.

To follow Carissa and her career “like” her Facebook Page June Motorsports.

Driver Spotlight: Madison Campeau

Madison Campeau

Maddie is a 9 year old girl with a passion for racing. Her father raced grand prix road race motor cycles at their local track. There was a kart track adjacent to the track he raced. He asked Maddie if she’d like to try karting. She said yes and according to her mom, “the rest is history.”

Maddie is finishing her 4^th season racing karts. This season she began racing in Yamaha Rookie Sportsman and half way through the season she moved up to Cadet and Yamaha Sportsman. Her home track is Pitt Race Karting in Pittsburgh, PA. She also enjoys traveling to compete on a national level. She has had podium national finishes in both the Great Lakes Sprint Series and Mancup in the Yamaha Rookie Sportsman class. After moving up to the Cadet and Yamaha Sportsman classes, she’s had four top ten finishes.

This talented young lady is first in points in the Yamaha Sportsman class and will earn second in Cadet at Pitt Race Karting. There is only one race left and she is locked into both finishes. She also aspires to finish well in the Mancup series.

Maddie’s favorite thing about racing is winning. Her dream is to one day race IndyCar. She admires the late IndyCar driver, Dan Weldon. She had the privilege of meeting him at her first Mancup race at New Castle in Indiana.

Visit Maddie’s website at: www.GoMaddie.com

Driver Spotlight: Stephanie Clew

 

Stephanie Clew

 

Stephanie has been racing since she was 12 in 2006. She is currently 19, will be 20 next month. She has raced, 4-Cylinders every year and even a Open Wheel Modified one year. Currently she races in the U-Car 4Cylinder Division at Friendship Motor Speedway and Rolling Thunder Raceway. She has 26 career wins, 5 of them being from this year at both tracks listed above. She is currently your points leader at Friendship with 2 point races to go, and sitting 5th at Rolling Thunder. 

Stephanie's dad Richard got her into racing in 2006. He has been racing since he was 19 years old and has multiple Champtionships and wins. She loves racing. She was brought up into it and will choose dirt track racing over any other sport. 

Stephanie's goal is to become a better race car driver. There's always room for improvement. She hasn't finished out of the top 5 all season long much less the top 3. She is driving a Chevy Cavalier this season. Stephanie will be attending the nationals this year at Cherokee Speedway.

Stephanie Clew Racing is her Facebook Page.

Inspiring Female Driver: Tiana Berkeley

Whitestown Grand Prix 2013

Whitestown Grand Prix 2013

 

 

We had a great time at the Whitestown Grand Prix. This was the first street race that Ashlee was old enough to compete in the JR1 (Yamaha Junior Sportsman) class. We decided to give her the opportunity to race one last time in the Kid Kart class in the SIRA series as well as allowing her to race up in the JR1 class.

 

On Saturday she practiced both classes. I was pretty nervous about the new class but Ashlee did really well. After practice we decided that she was capable of competing in the JR1. She finished 5th out of 6 in the JR1 heat race. We were excited about how well she did. She wasn't scared she just jumped in and gave it her all.

 

On race day she won in the Kid Kart class. In JR1 she was running really well then got caught up in traffic and hit a barrier. Although we were bummed it ended in a incomplete race, we were really proud of her. She had the first JR1 race under her belt and she won her final Kid Kart street race.

 

We're really looking forward to participating in more SIRA street races in the future!!

 

For more information check out their website http://sirakarting.org/

Driver Spotlight: Olivia Horn

Olivia Horn

Olivia Horn is a 16 year old girl from Ohio that has a passion for racing. She and her father share the love for the sport. Her father raced motor cycles and when Olivia was young they would watch NASCAR races together. As soon as she was old enough, he offered her the opportunity to race karts and according to Olivia, “I fell in love with the sport.”

After 8 years in the sport of karting Olivia is competitive on a National Level. This year she raced in both the Great Lakes Sprint Series and WKA Man Cup Series. This season she obtained her first national podium. She earned a 2nd place finish and shared the podium with her teammate who finished in 1st. More recently she earned 2 more national podiums in Yamaha senior and Parilla senior. Olivia has aspirations of winning a national race in the Parilla Senior class which she hopes to do in the near future.

Olivia looks up to NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus. “They’re such a great team, and they work extremely well together,” she said. Olivia’s long term goal is to one day pursue a career in IndyCar or one of the other professional branches of motorsports.

To read more about Olivia Horn and follow her career, visit her website: www.oliviahornracing.com or Facebook Page

We're Moving Up...

 

Moving Up, A New Adventure

 

This is Ashlee's 2nd season in racing. She's 7 years old and qualifies to race in either the WKA Kid Kart or Yamaha Rookie Sportsman classes. Our plan was to finish the season in the kid kart class. We had plenty to work on with getting down the racing line and enhancing her driving skills. We thought this would be best in kid karts. Unfortunately this year has been very challenging. We cannot get her engines to perform and it has left her (and us) frustrated.

 

We let her start practicing her Yamaha cadet kart. At first she was a bit resistant, she was comfortable in her smaller kid kart. We kept encouraging her to give it another shot. After a few times out she gained confidence and decided she loved it. Now we had the challenge of getting her back in the kid kart.

 

She's decided she liked the faster new kart. This was great! Now the only challenge, our local track doesn't offer the Yamaha Rookie Sportsman class and she's not old enough to compete in the Yamaha Jr. Sportsman class. What to do??

 

Luckily a father of another racer found himself in the same predicament and we've convinced the track owner to offer the new class. This will be the first race weekend for Ashlee, her cousin and friend to race this class. She is so excited!!



Driver Spotlight: Ashley Graaf



Ashley Graaf

 

In 2009 Ashley decided to follow in her brothers footsteps and give kart racing a try. She loved it from the minute she stepped in the kart. She began that year in the Briggs and Stratton World Formula Rookie Class. By 2010 she moved up to the Junior class and earned 4^th place overall. Ashley earned many podium finishes in her first two years but she finally earned her first victory in 2011. Out of all the victories and accomplishments she’s had in her career, the first victory has been her proudest moment.

Ashley is currently racing in the KPV 100 Sr and world formula open classes at Stockholm Motorsports  Park in Cokato, Minnesota.  Her goal for this season is to learn more about the 2-stroke engine. According to Ashley her long term aspiration is, “To go as far as I can in this sport.” A couple of the drivers she admires are Danica Patrick and the late Dan Weldon.

 

To learn more about Ashley Graaf visit her website at www.AshleyGraaf.Weebly.com, follow her on Facebook at: Ashley Graaf Racing, or Twitter: racerbabe00.

Driver Spotlight: Sara Brinkac

 

Sara Brinkac

Sara Brinkac knew she wanted to race “as soon as I stepped foot in a rental kart and was told I could not drive.” She was only 6 but the seed had been planted. Sara is in her 7th year of racing and is currently racing a 125cc 6-speed go-kart.

Sara’s biggest accomplishment was when she won the Western Canadian Championships. Another proud moment was when she won the most improved junior award, which is an award that Greg Moore when he was racing at her club. This season she hopes to race competitively in the S5 class and raise enough money to participate in the California Pro-tour series.

A few of the people that Sara admires in the racing world are Formula 1 drivers Sebastian Vettel and Ayrton Senna. She hopes to one day professionally race touring cars. Check out her website to purchase t-shirts or stickers. The proceeds help fund her racing.

 

 

To follow Sara’s career her twitter feed is @hardeightracing, her website is Hardeightracing.com and her Facebook is Hardeight Racing- Sara Brinkac #44.

Athletic Apparel

                                                        

 

FORMER MISS MICHIGAN TEEN USA AND PROFESSIONAL FITNESS MODEL SARA MARIE LAUNCHES FIRST OF ITS KIND SHEFIT SPORTS BRA

Company to raise funds through Kickstarter campaign for product manufacturing

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mi., Aug. 1, 2013 – Shefit, a Michigan-based start-up athletic apparel company, announces the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to secure first production run and manufacture its U.S.A. made introductory line, including the adjustable Shefit sports bra.

Designer/Creator, Sara Marie crafted SheFit more than 10 years ago while pregnant with her first daughter and struggling with breast pain that caused her workouts to lose intensity.

 
“I was so self-conscious and frustrated every time I went to the gym to run or do anything high impact because my chest started to define what I was capable of doing,” said Sara Marie Owner/Creator of SheFit.  “After observing other women in the same situation, I created my first prototype with a hot glue gun and Velcro.  Ten years later, we’re ready to launch a patented, fully customizable sports bra geared towards bigger busted women of all ages, to help them feel confident while staying active.”

A woman’s back and shoulders carry the most weight of her breast.  The SheFit™ patented two-inch wide back band gives women comfort and security underneath the bust.   The 15-inch fold-over shoulder straps allows for maximum adjustability.    Women can adjust the fit of the bra based on comfort and intensity of their workout.  SheFit gives women eight inches of adjustability, compared to the standard 1 – 2 inches hook-and-eye fit.  

 
“If a sportsbra does not provide a truly supportive and comfortable fit, women, including post-surgical patients, won’t wear it,” said Dr. Bengston.  “SheFit is the first bra I have found that has the perfect balance of firm support without being overly constrictive. Other bras really miss the mark when it comes to a proper fit.”
 
Sara hopes to fund her first production run by pre-launching her company through Kickstarter.com, a funding platform for creative projects, Aug. 15 through Sept. 29 Packages for the campaign range from $2 to $2500.  Money raised also will allow Shefit to continue manufacturing in the USA.   Supporters can pledge and be the first to experience SheFit by visiting www.shefitsportsbra.com.

About Sara Marie

Sara has been an advocate for fitness and a healthy lifestyle since her teenage years.  She carries the titles of Miss Michigan Teen USA (1999), 1^st runner up Miss Michigan USA (2001), and as a wife and mother she wore the title of Mrs. Michigan America (2008). Earning these titles led her to the fitness world where she quickly climbed the ranks and created a name for herself.  In 2011, Sara secured top spots in the Fitness America circuit, winning the Arnold Classic (2011) and in the same year earning her pro card leading her to a 3^rd place world finish with the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF).

Sara has been featured in several national publications including Success Magazine and as the fitness contributor Pageantry Magazine.  In 2012 she was highlighted in Oxygen Magazine four times, once as a contributor.  Sara resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. with her husband and four daughters.

 

 

About SheFit

SheFit™ empowers the strong beauty in every woman by developing athletic apparel with the highest level of support, comfort and style specifically designed to enhance your workout.  Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., SheFit is proudly produced and manufactured in the USA.

 

Driver Spotlight: Tiana Berkeley

 

Tiana Berkeley

Tiana Berkeley spent a lot of time at the race track when she was young. One night she went to watch a friend race and decided to give it a shot as well. For three years now she’s been dirt track racing at a track in Republic, WA.  

Tiana’s learned a lot of lessons in racing. Learning to be patient before passing is one of the biggest challenges she has faced. “I try to be patient when racing a lot of other cars so that I don't wreck mine or someone else's. On the dirt, that is very easy to do because you slide around a lot,” she said.

Tiana’s father is her role model and support. According to Tiana she admires him because, “he's a great driver, role model, and father.”

Over the years she has had many great moments. Her proudest accomplishment so far is winning the season championship at Northport last year. She was the first girl ever to win the championship in the 50 year history of the track.

Her goal for this race season is to win the championship at the new track that she’s currently racing at. Tiana’s looks forward to having fun with her racing career and see where it takes her.

To follow Tiana’s racing career “Like” her Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiana-Berkeley-Racing/130584727148145

Driver Spotlight: Brittany Loy

Brittany Loy

Brittany Loy has been racing karts for four years. She got her interest in racing from watching her cousin race late models and open wheel modifieds.

Brittany has had both highlights and challenges in her racing career. Her proudest moment is when she completed a 100 lap race. The biggest obstacle that she has faced so far is being involved in a few bad wrecks. She didn’t let that stop her from competing in a sport she loves. According to Brittany, “I realized that I loved racing and would do anything it took to continue in it.”

This season Brittany hopes to win a $500 money race. As for her future she hopes to see herself moving up to mini sprint cars, full sprints or late models.

To learn more about Brittany Loy please follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

Twitter: @brittloy4

Facebook: Brittany Loy

Driver Spotlight:Taylor Abney

Taylor Abney

 

Taylor Abney is 15 years old. She currently has two full seasons of racing under her belt. She races flat kart box stock clone in the adult stock heavy class. Taylor’s father raced her entire life until about three years ago when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. At that time he received the devastating news that he could no longer race. Taylor decided to pick up where he left off and continue the family tradition in the sport.

Taylor’s dad has been her inspiration. He is a survivor and is teaching her to she can do anything that she puts her mind to. Her proudest accomplishment in her career is winning six races all in one day and maintaining the lead in points for the championship. She looks forward to moving into stock cars and making her way to the top and hopes to one day participate in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity.

Sports Illustrated Kids: Sportkids of the Month

 A Chance To Be One Of The Sportkids Of The Month

 

My father in-law handed me a small little piece of paper he ripped out of a magazine. He asked me to submit Ashlee as one of the "Faces in the Crowd." I went online, filled out a quick entry and didn't think much of it.

 

Maybe a month later I received an email stating that Ashlee was being considered to be one of the Sportskids featured in their magazine. I gave them all the information they were looking for and a picture. Luckily they emailed back and said she would be featured in the July magazine. She was so excited! Her first words were, "We get that magazine in my class at school!" Thank you Grandpa for having such a great idea and thank you SI Kids for making my daughter feel special!!

 

If you know of an athlete you would like to nominate here is the link: http://www.sikids.com/sportskid



Ravenna Motor Park

 

Ravenna Motor Park

 

Ravenna Motor Park is located in Ravenna, Michigan which is between Grand Rapids and Muskegon. We live about a half hour from the track. My husband, Jim, had raced there a time or two when he was young. They race a different type of kart than we have for Ashlee. Jim contacted the track owner and found out that they would allow Ashlee to race her kart there.

 

When we arrived at the track we were greeted and welcomed by pretty much everyone. With their club they have the kid karts go out all together and basically learn the track and the flags. They don't have a technical "race" but the kids get to go out there with other kids and have fun. It is a short track with many tight turns so it was great practice for Ashlee.

 

 

If you are looking for an affordable form of karting in West Michigan I would definitely recommend you checking it out. The track owner is very welcoming and the club members are very friendly. It's a very well kept track and they seem to be quite organized. The whole race day flowed very smooth.

 

 

http://ravennamotorpark.com/

 



 

Goodland Grand Prix 2013

 

Goodland Grand Prix 2013

 

When we arrived in Goodland, Indiana the skies were blue. It was warm and looked like the rain they predicted was off base. We got our stuff set up then the clouds rolled in and so did the rain. We were hoping that the rain would pass by the next day when our practice began. Unfortunately the rain was there to stay.

 

We had a few moments of dry spells so Ashlee got a little bit of practice in. We only had one set of rain tires which our nephew Kyle was using for the cadet kart. He was at least able to get out a few more times once in the dry and a practice and qualifying on the wet pavement. It looked like some storms were coming in so we had to call it quits for the day and eliminate the heat races.

 

That evening after the rain was over we had a great time hanging out with other families and visiting the local fair. Sunday morning when we woke up the rain seemed to be over but of course it showed up by the time Ashlee had to go out for her feature. It was sprinkling when they sent them out. I was really nervous because she had never driven in the rain and she was on her slicks. She spun out a few times and had to be restarted however she still pulled off the win and came back with the kart in one piece (which was a victory as well.)

 

 



Sprint Car Girls

Sprint Car Girls

The Sprint Car Girls concept was established to help a group of ladies promote themselves and their racing to a broader range of audience, as well as attract potential sponsorship opportunities for their individual programs.

The intent of the group is focus on several drivers from a given region or class. They have members spread all across the country, including eight states and Canada! There is a mix of 305, 358, 360 and 410 drivers throughout the group, as well as an up and coming 600cc mini sprint driver. Many of the ladies run multiple divisions, with some even taking the wings off on occasion.

Their members include Lexi Adgate, Ashley Cappetta, Ashley Lewellen, Sarena Paul, Alysha Ruggles, Miranda Throckmorton, Brittany Tresch, Jordan Weaver, April Wilson and Tiffany Wyzard, representing Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.

Please show your support by visiting their website www.SprintCarGirls.webs.com, “like” their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SprintCarGirls, or Twitter: @sprint_girls, Instagram: @sprintcargirls

 

Driver Spotlight: Amanda Brickley

 

Amanda Brickley

 

Amanda Brickley is 6 years old. This girl may be young but she has plenty of race experience. She began racing when she turned 5 in the summer of 2011. She is currently racing kid karts and is a member at East Lansing Kart Track and has 3 feature wins this season. She also participated at her first Great Lakes Sprint Series event this spring at New Castle Motorsports Park where she placed 4th.

 

Amanda is a motivated and talented young driver. Each race she strives to beat her best time and the records set by other racers before her. A few weeks ago she accomplished this goal at Jet Karting at Michiana Raceway Park in South Bend, Indiana. She had the fastest qualifying time for the club this year and was able to mark the occasion by posting the time and signing the wall.

 

There are many things she loves about racing. When asked what were her favorites she said, "I like going fast! Most of all I like finishing 1st." She also says she likes spending time with her friends at the track. Amanda's favorite track that she's raced at is Jet Karting, she said she likes that track because, "they have a starting light like a traffic light." 

 

Amanda plans to race the rest of the season at East Lansing Kart Track and also continue to compete with the Great Lakes Sprint Series. Amanda Brickley is definitely a name to watch in the racing circuit. She's got the drive and ambition to succeed.

 

 

 



Our Wacky Race Weekend

Our Race Weekend June 8th & 9th, 2013

It was a normal race weekend. We were looking forward to going to MRP in South Bend, IN. Friends of ours from our home track were traveling down to race as well.

On the way down my allergies progressively got worse. I was miserable. So miserable I wish I could have just gone to bed and hid under the covers. I got some allergy pills at a gas station and hoped they would work. No such luck. My friend was nice enough to drive me to get some more meds and luckily they worked.

Next we hooked up our generator on our motor home. It started to make strange noises then completely died. Lucky us!! We did solve that problem by hooking up to the electrical service. We'll deal with fixing the generator another day.

Then my nephew went out to practice. Jim had the Go Pro camera hooked up on his kart. Apparently not that well because the camera flew off during practice. After a while of searching it was recovered. That was a relief.

The night went well. The kids went to bed easily and slept all night. The dog behaved as well. I wish I could say I slept that night but my mind was racing. Maybe it was all the allergy meds I had taken that day. Early that morning I was ready to roll. (Anyone who knows me knows that I love my sleep so this is definitely out of my character. I love sleep!!)

I was worried about rain. There was a high percentage chance of rain for that day, but luckily it held off. That was one of the positives for the day. The kids went out for practice before the race. Ashlee's air filter fell off and she ran it over during the first practice. Jim fixed it as best as he could. It held up for qualifying, pre-quals and the beginning of the race. But sure enough the filter fell off again and she ended up getting disqualified. Ashlee's friend also had some unfortunate luck. She qualified 1st, won the heat race and was leading the feature and all the sudden her engine failed. We felt so bad for her as well!!

Positives for the weekend: We had fun and spent time with family and friends, Ashlee improved on some of the bad habits we've been talking to her about, track time is always good, the weather was great, my nephew had a great race weekend finishing 2nd in the Rookie Sportsman class, Ashlee's friend Amanda set the track record for qualifying in Kid Karts, we met some great people, and there's always the next race to get it right and improve :-)

Driver Spotlight: Miranda Gallagher

Miranda Gallagher

GirlsRace2: What type of racing do you currently do?

Miranda: Currently I'm a kart racer in Jr2 super can class.

GirlsRace2: How long have you been racing?

Miranda: I started racing when I was 11 years old, this is my 5th year.  

GirlsRace2: How did you get your start in racing?

Miranda: My family was driving through Franklin, IN and noticed something was going on downtown. My step dad pulled over so we could stop to watch and I knew I had to get a kart and start racing! It wasn't difficult to talk my dad and stepdad into it. Within just a few short weeks they had bought a kart and we started practicing right away.

GirlsRace2: What is your proudest moment in your racing career so far?

Miranda: My proudest moment so far was being named Jr driver of the year my first season with SIRA. When they called my name I was speechless (I'm never at a loss for words.)

GirlsRace2: What is your goal for this season?

Miranda: My goal for this season is to race hard and drive fast and have fun!

GirlsRace2: What is your goal for your career in racing?

Miranda: My career goal in racing would be to run open wheel. 

GirlsRace2: Who do you look up to/admire in racing?

Miranda: Oh I admire SO many in racing!!! I've worked closely with Pippa Mann at The Glass Hammer Experience; she's taught me so much! I also admire Charlie Kimble; like Charlie I am a Type 1 Diabetic. Knowing that he's not allowing T1D to control him and stop him from his dream is an inspiration.  

GirlsRace2: What challenges in your racing career have you faced?

Miranda: I'm challenged in racing, first off I'm a girl in a primarily guy sport. Most of the guys I'm competitive with have many more years of experience than I do. One way of overcoming both of those issues is to develop a friendship. We talk in the pits, give pointers, and push each other to get better. 

To learn more about Miranda Gallagher follow her on Twitter @MirandaRacer11 or her Facebook Page


 

Radio Interview

Racing Diva Radio

Racing Diva Radio airs live on Tuesdays from 6-8pm central on blogtalkradio.com . On Racing Diva Radio we cover all types of talent within the many different racing industries. If you miss a show, you can always go back and listen, we archive them. We are also on iTunes, facebook, and twitter. 

Here is the link to my radio interview with hostess Tiffany Welch: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/racingdivaradio/2013/05/28/girls-race-2-with-blogger-liz-opatic

Custom Suits- What We've Learned

Custom Suits

Last year we went with the standard black suit for our daughter. She was really hoping for something a little more stylish however the standard choices did not include anything geared towards girls. After her first season we chose to go a different route for her suit. Overall the end result is good but we wish we would have thought it out a little more. Here are some tips that I learned through this experience.

1. Check with more than one company as to pricing and product details. Talk to other drivers who have used the company and ask them questions about their experience. Referrals are helpful.
2. When ordering suits for younger children make sure to discuss with the manufacturer how to measure current sizing but make room to grow. This is something we wish we would have done. Both girls' suits fit but they will only last one season. Custom suits are expensive and we wish we would have taken this into consideration.
3. When ordering ask what their time frames for completion are. We were told a minimum of 6 weeks. We assumed it would take the full 6 weeks maybe 8 weeks, but that wasn't the case. We ordered at the beginning of the busy season and had to wait 13 weeks for them to arrive. We were definitely disappointed with this timing. Ashlee raced the first 4 races of the season with her old suit. This isn't a big deal but since the new suit will only fit this season, it was kind of a bummer not to get a full seasons use out of it.
4. Check out other suits designed by the company you chose. Get design ideas and give the designer examples of what you are looking for. The design process of the suits went really well. We took a pre-designed suit and modified it. Axcel Sports was really helpful as to recommending what would and wouldn't look good. They also had great design ideas. Overall we are really happy with the design and look of the suits.

Design Stage 

Finished Project

Suits on the Girls

The company we used was Axcel Sports. Check out their Facebook Page for more info. They have some really awesome designs and options. https://www.facebook.com/AxcelSports