Driver Spotlight: Kadence Davenport

Kadence Davenport

 Kadence aka “The Wolf” loves racing.  She earned her nickname when she first began racing.  She was the youngest competitor in the Putt Putt class and had to start in the back a lot but always seemed to be able to fight her way through the pack and hunt the leader down.  That nickname has stuck with her and she still even likes to howl after her wins! 

In 2013 at age 9 she was the Junior 1 track champion at both of her "home" tracks, Jamaica Raceway (asphalt) and Newton Kart Klub (dirt).  This talented young racer got her start in racing when she stopped at a family friends’ transmission shop with her dad. She noticed a poster advertising a race called Battle at the Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and she asked to give it a try- the rest is history. 

When she first started learning about racing her biggest challenge wasn’t the driving, it was learning the racing lingo. Since she was only 6 years old her dad and Papa simplified the terms with their own little lingo to make it easier to communicate. She has always been in tune with her kart and has been able to direct her pit crew on how to help make it faster and handle better for her.  In fact several other racing dads have asked her to test out their son’s kart for them and give them feedback on its handling! 

Currently Kadence is racing Junior 1 karts, both indoors and outdoors, on dirt, asphalt and coke syrup. She runs a clone, flathead and most recently an animal motor/class and last year she was asked to run a 2-cylemotor in the 2-cycle nationals by an engine builder.

Her goal for this year is to do well in the IKF Nationals in July and win the (MAOS) Midwest Asphalt Oval Series which is a new series that involves 5 races in 5 states (Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, and Illinois). With the first two races of the series under her belt she is well on her way, she is currently the Junior 1 Elite Champion Leader in the series!

Kadence is very determined. She doesn't see anything as an obstacle. She says, “It's all exciting and a challenge so I always want to go back for more because I learn something new every race.” She has big dreams for her racing career. She hopes to be the first female NASCAR driver to win the Daytona 500.  To learn more about how Kadence is doing, follow her on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kadencedavenportracing

Driver Spotlight: Madelyn Hovey

Madelyn Hovey

Madelyn is 4 ½ years old and is going through rookie training in a Quarter Midget. She comes from a racing family. Her great grandfather raced, her grandfather raced, and both her father and older brother, Nickolas, race. She wants to be just like her big brother and she is finally old enough to compete in the sport.

She is in the process of rookie training and will race her 1^st race at Little T Speedway on her 5^th birthday.

Madelyn is very involved with the family race team and loves spending countless hours in the garage working on the cars with her dad. Her favorite thing about racing is “going fast.”

You can follow Madelyn on her family’s Facebook Page, Hovey Racing.

Driver Spotlight: Jessica Still

Jessica Still

Jessica Still is 15 years old and competes in the rookie stock 4 class at a few tracks. She finished 4^th in points at Hartwell Speedway in 2013.

When she was 9 years old she was searching for a sport to get involved in. She discovered kart racing. Her neighbor friend raced karts and one night they went to watch him. Jessica thought it looked like a fun sport and decided to give it a try. She found a passion for racing, and when she reached the age of 13 she moved up to the stock 4 class.

Jessica has had many gratifying moments in racing the one that stands out in her mind is when she won her first race at Toccoa Speedway. She also feels honored when she is surrounded by her fans while at the track. She said, ”Just knowing that they support me means so much to me.  I love being at the racetrack, it's like my second home.”

Racing is challenging especially when you are a girl in a “man’s world” but Jessica has faced an even bigger challenge. This past August her doctors found a complex cyst on her thyroid. They thought it was cancer. She had surgery at Children's Heathcare to get it removed and tested for cancer.  Jessica’s racing family was such an amazing support system. “I had so many people praying for me at the track and people I have never met,” she said. When the results came back it was negative!  “The day she was released from the hospital, there was a race at our local track, I went... I had to show them that their prayers worked and I was so thankful for their prayers,” she explains.  The doctors instructed her to take a month off from racing, but she didn’t let that hold her back. “I felt so good the following weekend that I ended up racing, I thought I would just make some hot laps to get used to it, but I felt so good that I was ready to race!!”

Jessica hopes to one day race in the NASCAR circuit but if that dream isn’t possible she would like to continue racing as a weekend hobby. According to Jessica the racetrack is her “safe haven” and she “feels at home at the race track.” For now her goal is to become a better racer and become more experienced in the racing world, she would also like to bring home more wins. 

Jessica is strong in her faith and always puts God first. She looks up to driver Trevor Bayne. She admires the way that he stands up for his faith, and feels that he is not only her role model in racing but in life as well.  She also has many role models that she looks up to at her local race tracks. 

Recently Jessica had the opportunity to be on the new hit reality show "Kim of Queens".  It was episode 10, "Allisyn's Big Bet".  They try to find a diamond in the rough and transform them into a pageant queen.  She said, “It was a lot of fun, I loved that they filmed me at the race track.  It was a great experience and I feel very blessed for the opportunity.”

Racing is not only something that Jessica has a passion for, her family is also 100% committed to the sport. They are her biggest supporters. She is also very grateful for her fans and sponsors, especially her 2014 major sponsor, Athens Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

To learn more about Jessica Still friend her on her Facebook page at "Jessica Still-Racing"

Driver Spotlight: Randi Seguin

Driver Spotlight: Randi Seguin

Randi races in the 4 cylinder division at Barrie Speedway in Ontario Canada. It’s a paved oval track where last year she raced a mustang but this year she’ll be racing a Nissan 240sx.

This will be Randi’s fourth season of racing. She began competing in demolition derbies then with her father’s help she transitioned into stock car racing. She is very proud to say that last year she finished top ten in the point’s standings. This year she has her eyes set on finishing in the top five. Eventually she hopes to get into the late model division.

Randi didn’t let the fact that she knew little about racing and working on cars hold her back. She continues to learn driving skills and even works her on her own car. “I still have a lot to learn but I've got great people who are willing to teach. I believe to know your car you need to be hands on as much as possible”, she said. She is starting the season with a new stock car she has been working on and cannot wait to see what this racing season brings.

Follow her on Facebook at: Seguin Racing

Driver Spotlight: Stormi Hansen

Stormi Hansen

Girls Race 2: What type of racing do you currently do?

Stormi: I currently race in circle track dirt racing! I compete in the stock car class at multiple tracks. For the 2013 season I received Rookie of the Year and finished 4th in points at Lawton Speedway.

Girls Race 2: How long have you been racing?

Stormi: The 2013 season was my first season to compete for points and race a full season. Although it was my third year of racing in the stock car class.

Girls Race 2: How did you get your start in racing?

Stormi: Racing is in my blood. 

It is not just something I do for fun it is a way of life. Some of my earliest memories are from going to the race track and making long trips for my dad to race his modified or late model. It is very much a family affair as for two of my older brothers and my brother-in-law also race USMTS modifieds. One year I got to attend the Enid Winternationals and they had one of the biggest turn outs of stock cars I had ever seen, I was amazed. I told my dad that night I would have a stock car and I would race at Enid Winternationals. The following year I had my stock car and I was there for the show, I made the A feature and finished 7 out of a over 30 car field.

Girls Race 2: What is your proudest moment in your racing career so far?

Stormi: My proudest moment is just every time I am able to pull on to that track and race. Being able to prove that girls can race and are good is such an amazing feeling. Also knowing how many fans I have in the stands that come just to watch me race, when they come to the pits for autographs an pictures after the races is one of the best feelings a racer can get.

Girls Race 2:  What is your goal for this season?

Stormi: The 2013 season proved to be interesting with many ups and downs but I was able to finish 4th in points which is a great achievement, but I want more. I want to be bigger and better, I want that Championship trophy in my room!

Girls Race 2: What is your goal for your career in racing?

Stormi: I want to have fun.  That could mean continuing to race a stock car or maybe even moving up to a Limited Modified.

Girls Race 2: Who do you look up to/admire in racing?

Stormi: I do not have just one person I look up to, racing has so many great influences. It is such a great sport to be a part of, but the racers I look up to most have to be my two older brothers and dad. They are always there when I can't decide if I should put 12 or 14 psi in my right rear tire.

Girls Race 2: What challenges in your racing career have you faced? How did you overcome your challenge?

Stormi: The one thing I noticed that wasn't really a challenge but more of a life lesson is being a female racer. My first race I knew a lot of the racers but  I think some thought I expected special treatment or that I would just be in there way. Although over the years I have learned respect is one of the most important things, if you show respect you will get respect. I believe in "rubbing is racing" but if I rub you or get in to you on the track I make a point to come find you personally and apologize. There has been a few nights that another racer coming up after the race and offering a simple apology made the night a whole lot more enjoyable.

Girls Race 2: Is there anything unique or interesting about you that you’d like to share?

Stormi: I love working on my car, many people just assume my dad and brothers do all of the work and I just drive but that isn't how it works. I can change gears, swap rear ends, check valves, and just about everything any male can do! If I need help or don't know how to do something my brother will always give me plenty of time trying before he offers help then he teaches me how instead of just doing it for me. 

Stormi’s Facebook Page:  stormihansen86/facebook.com

Driver Spotlight: Alexis Hamilton

Alexis Hamilton

Alexis Hamilton is 5 years old. From a very young age Alexis’ parents could see that she had a need for speed. According to her mother, “Alexis loves to race and being in control. At the age of 2 years old when she got her first electric four wheeler it could never go fast enough.  We knew at that time she was a “Motor Head”.” Her parents looked forward to the day she’d be old enough to start racing. This past spring she finally turned 5 and was finally old enough to participate in kart racing. Her parents purchased her first kid kart from a friend and by the time summer came she finally got her turn to compete on the track.

Alexis’ parents were very proud of her when she went out on the track for her first race and even though she was scared to death of the other kids racing. She came in the top 3 for kid karts and was the only girl racing on the track. She accomplished this with both her parents and other family members cheering her on.

This first season she faced many challenges such as trying to keep the speed consistent in her kart, learning how to pick the correct lines, when to pass, and keeping up with the competitive kids that have been racing for a couple of years.

Her parents are very proud of her an all that she accomplished this year. Her mother said, “She never gave up even though she did not come in first place at any of her races.  This being her first year was more of a learning curve for her. She had a lot of encouragement from people at the track as well as gave her some tips during her races.  She especially looked up to the other female races that were older than her. “

Her goal for next season is to continue to get more comfortable with her kart, becoming more competitive, and having fun. Her parents are also planning to give her kart a new appearance for next race season so it fits more of her personality.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 



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