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Women’s motorsports, representation, and the making of a race film come together in this conversation with Rebecca, who plays Amanda in the upcoming movie about two sisters in dirt racing. If you’ve ever wondered how an actor goes from knowing very little about racing to feeling at home at the track, this episode gives you that inside look. Rebecca shares what it was like filming at Bridgeport Speedway, learning the rhythm of dirt racing, and stepping into a role that puts women front and center as competitive, capable, and undeniable. The discussion also explores why family, resilience, and female representation matter so much in motorsports. From the energy of the pits to the emotional weight of crash scenes, this episode highlights the authenticity behind the film and the bigger message it carries for young girls, racing families, and anyone chasing a dream in a male-dominated space. Key Topics[00:00:51] - Melinda introduces the episode and teases the new women-in-motorsports movie[00:01:19] - Rebecca introduces herself as a South Jersey content creator, Twitch streamer, and new dirt racing fan[00:01:54] - How Rebecca got cast and first heard about the film[00:03:32] - Learning dirt racing from the ground up and researching the track environment[00:04:35] - Driving the car, sim racing, and the difference between gaming and real racing[00:05:43] - Filming at Bridgeport Speedway and what surprised Rebecca most about the pits[00:07:33] - Why female representation in motorsports matters in film[00:08:31] - Emotional scenes, crash realism, and the human side of racing[00:10:07] - Connecting the role to being an older sister and a female gamer in a male-dominated world[00:11:16] - The biggest takeaway: family, dedication, and champion racers[00:12:38] - Rebecca and Pony’s off-screen relationship and building a sister-like bond[00:18:23] - Meeting stunt driver Alana Carter at PRI[00:19:57] - The intensity of the racing scenes and the power of authentic footage[00:24:42] - How the role changed Rebecca’s mindset and future plans in motorsports[00:26:34] - What Rebecca hopes people remember about the film decades from now[00:29:13] - Advice for young women who want to race: homework, safety, and fearlessness[00:30:32] - Family legacy in racing and why the story resonates beyond just two sisters Relevant LinksWomen in Motorsports North America: https://www.womeninmotorsportsna.com/ PRI Trade Show: https://www.performanceracing.com/pri-show Bridgeport Speedway: https://bridgeportspeedway.com/ Rebecca’s Twitch platform: https://www.twitch.tv/ This conversation is a reminder that motorsports is built on family, teamwork, and stories worth preserving. Rebecca’s journey from gamer to on-screen racer shows how quickly passion can turn into purpose when someone is given the chance to step into the world and feel its energy firsthand. It’s also a celebration of women who belong in every part of racing—from the cockpit to the pits to the big screen. If you believe representation opens doors, this episode will leave you inspired to watch closely, speak up, and keep pushing forward.

Hearing protection in motorsports can make the difference between enjoying race day for a lifetime and living with preventable hearing loss. In this conversation, Melinda Russell talks with audiologist Anissa Bezanson about what really happens to your ears around race cars, why so many fans and families don’t realize the risk, and how simple changes can protect every age group at the track. Anissa brings a unique perspective as both a hearing professional and a race mom. She explains how repeated exposure to loud engines affects the delicate hair cells inside the ear, why hearing loss often starts in the high pitches, and why “I’m used to the noise” is not the same as being protected. The discussion also covers practical solutions for tracks, race families, and spectators: earplugs, kid-friendly earmuffs, electronic hearing protection, rentals, signage, and making hearing safety as normal as sunscreen or seat belts. If you’ve ever thought hearing protection was optional, this episode gives you a strong reason to rethink that. Key Topics[00:02:53] - Meet Anissa Bezanson and her background as an audiologist[00:03:38] - Occupational hearing conservation and what audiologists do[00:04:23] - How motorsports entered her life through her son’s racing[00:05:10] - Why loud race environments create real hearing risk[00:08:37] - What happens inside the ear when noise exposure becomes damaging[00:09:46] - Visualizing hair cell damage and hearing loss progression[00:10:17] - Why high-pitch hearing loss is easy to miss at first[00:13:15] - Choosing the right hearing protection for racers and fans[00:14:13] - Push-to-fit earplugs, fit issues, and convenience at the track[00:16:09] - Product options for covering babies through adults[00:18:12] - Making hearing protection available at ticketing and around the venue[00:22:39] - Noise dose studies and why total exposure matters[00:23:27] - Race-day dosimeter results and what they reveal[00:25:25] - Starting hearing protection habits early with kids[00:30:28] - Electronic earmuffs and how they help spectators and staff[00:37:20] - Auditory Defense, educational resources, and wholesale options[00:39:37] - Custom hearing protection, branding, and track partnerships Relevant LinksAuditory Defense: https://auditorydefense.com Email Anissa Bezanson: [email protected] Freedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.com Pit Crew Creations (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/pitcrewcreations Pit Crew Creations (Etsy): https://pitcrewcreationsshop.etsy.com SendOutCards: https://sendoutcards.com/5324zero Anissa’s message is simple: protecting hearing doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or inconvenient. With the right products and a little education, race fans, drivers, kids, and track staff can enjoy the sound of racing without paying for it later. The best time to normalize hearing protection is now, especially for the next generation. Start early, make it easy, and make it part of the race-day routine.

Tiffany Towns shares what it’s like to build a racing life later in adulthood, compete in a male-dominated class, and grow into her own identity on the track. From first-time nerves to first-place finishes, this conversation highlights how dirt track racing can sharpen confidence, communication, and resilience. She also opens up about the realities behind the fun: learning the sport from the passenger-side perspective first, handling setbacks like rollovers and mechanical failures, and finding balance as one half of a husband-and-wife racing team. Tiffany’s story is a reminder that motorsports is about more than speed — it’s about persistence, support, and showing up again after every hard hit. Melinda and Tiffany also talk about family, community, small-town racing culture in Oregon, and why more women and girls should feel encouraged to get behind the wheel. Key Topics[00:02:28] - Meet Tiffany Towns and hear a little about her life outside racing[00:03:56] - How she first got introduced to motorsports through her husband and local tracks[00:05:51] - Early racing experiences, powder puff wins, and rolling a car for the first time[00:07:55] - Starting her own race program, choosing car number 24, and building confidence[00:09:54] - Creating her own identity while racing alongside a highly accomplished husband[00:13:43] - What she loves most about racing: the highs, lows, and unpredictability[00:15:15] - Different classes, dirt racing, and how Tiffany and her husband support each other[00:18:22] - How racing has improved communication and patience in their relationship[00:21:39] - Learning thicker skin in a male-dominated sport[00:24:30] - Cottage Grove’s Bohemia Mining Days parade and small-town racing community[00:29:06] - A tough heartbreak, bouncing back, and Tiffany’s advice for young girls in motorsports[00:32:55] - Where to follow Tiffany on social media Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comPit Crew Creations on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pit Crew Creations on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/SendOutCards: https://sendoutcards.com/5324zeroWomen's Motorsports Network: https://womensmotorsportsnetwork.com Tiffany’s story shows that it’s never too late to start, learn, and compete with heart. Her journey is proof that confidence grows one lap at a time — and that success in racing can look like progress, perseverance, and having fun along the way. If you’re a woman in motorsports, a racing fan, or someone chasing a dream later in life, this episode will leave you inspired to keep going, keep learning, and keep showing up.

Women’s motorsports and the fight for the right to race take center stage in this conversation with Tierra Hubbard, Director of Government Affairs for Racing at SEMA and PRI. She breaks down what advocacy looks like in real life, why legislation matters for racetracks, and how policy decisions can protect an entire motorsports ecosystem. Melinda Russell and Tierra also unpack a major misconception about right-to-race laws: these bills do not override local government authority. Instead, they help protect long-standing tracks from nuisance lawsuits when development moves in around them. The conversation goes beyond racing to show how these issues affect jobs, tourism, local businesses, and the future of grassroots motorsports. Tierra shares what her work looks like across 50 states, how lawmakers are educated, and why motorsports supporters need to stay engaged. She also offers practical ways listeners can help if they want to support racetracks in their own communities. Key Topics[00:02:29] - Introduction to Tierra Hubbard and her role in government affairs for racing[00:06:53] - How right-to-race advocacy works across state legislatures[00:11:27] - Michigan’s right-to-race bill and current legislative status[00:13:41] - Clearing up misconceptions about local zoning, home rule, and racetrack protections[00:17:09] - The impact of nuisance lawsuits on long-standing racetracks[00:23:45] - Nearly 300 lawmakers contacted across 41 states[00:24:20] - States that have already passed right-to-race legislation[00:26:41] - How listeners can get involved and support motorsports advocacy[00:30:45] - Why motorsports is bigger than the race itself: jobs, tourism, and family legacy[00:33:29] - The $70 billion economic impact of performance racing in the U.S. Relevant LinksSEMA Advocacy: https://www.sema.org/advocacyPRI: https://www.performanceracing.com/SEMA: https://www.sema.org/Freedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.com/Pit Crew Creations: https://pitcrewcreationsshop.etsy.com/SendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/ Tierra encourages anyone interested in helping to visit the SEMA advocacy page, contact their lawmakers, or reach out directly for guidance on where to start. Whether it’s writing a letter, attending a hearing, or simply spreading awareness, every action helps strengthen the future of motorsports. If you care about short tracks, drag strips, and the communities built around them, this conversation is a reminder that advocacy matters just as much as horsepower.

Olivia Grimes shares how a family racing tradition turned into a growing dirt-track career, from quarter midgets to winged outlaw karts and sprint cars. At just 15, she’s already learning the speed, skill, and resilience it takes to keep improving while traveling across multiple states to race. This conversation highlights the realities of girls in motorsports: long travel days, working on the car as a family, finding support, handling bad race days, and staying motivated when progress takes time. Olivia also opens up about the joy of the racing community, the pressure and excitement of competition, and her dream of eventually moving into bigger sprint cars and a top team. Listeners will hear what it’s like to balance racing, homeschooling, family life, and competition while building confidence one lap at a time. Key Topics[00:02:13] - Intro to guest Olivia Grimes and her racing background[00:04:13] - How Olivia got started in racing through her dad’s motorsports journey[00:05:20] - Biggest learning curve: pavement vs. dirt racing[00:06:10] - What Olivia loves about winged sprint cars[00:06:31] - Car details: number 2G, colors, and outlaw kart setup[00:07:16] - Home track, long-distance travel, and racing in Illinois from Alabama[00:10:23] - First strong result in the outlaw car and growing confidence[00:11:39] - Family involvement in car maintenance and race-day prep[00:12:36] - Why the racing community means so much to her[00:13:16] - Social media and following Grimes Motorsports[00:16:36] - Sponsorship challenges and fundraising as a family team[00:18:27] - How racing has brought Olivia’s family closer together[00:19:54] - Why motorsports keeps her focused and motivated[00:21:36] - Handling bad race days and bouncing back mentally[00:22:55] - Favorite track, first heat-race win, and future goals[00:26:10] - Big-picture dreams: moving up to larger sprint cars[00:27:01] - Olivia’s inspiration from Kaylee Bryson[00:28:34] - Racing season timeline and upcoming events Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comSendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/5324zeroPit Crew Creations: https://piccrewcreationsshop.etsy.comPit Crew Creations on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Olivia’s story is a great reminder that motorsports is built on persistence, teamwork, and belief. Whether the day ends in a win or a lesson, she approaches it with the mindset that every race is a chance to grow. Her journey also shows how racing can become a family mission, bringing parents, siblings, and grandparents into the same garage, the same trailer, and the same dream. With more laps, more learning, and more support, Olivia is clearly building toward something bigger.

Women’s motorsports is built on family, grit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — and this conversation with Maddi Gordon brings all of that to life. From junior dragsters to Top Fuel aspirations, Maddi shares how a racing family, strong mentors, and a deep love for the sport shaped her path. This episode goes beyond the wins. Maddi opens up about the pressure of competition, learning to handle tough days, and why finding the positives in every run has become one of her most valuable tools on and off the track. Her perspective on growth, resilience, and teamwork offers plenty for young racers, parents, and fans alike. You’ll also hear how her role has evolved as a professional driver, what it means to be part of a racing team in a bigger way, and why family legacy still matters just as much as speed. Maddi’s story is a reminder that success in drag racing comes from preparation, self-awareness, and the people who believe in you. Key Topics[00:00:48] - Lift and jack safety in the shop and at the track, plus Freedom Race Lifts[00:02:06] - Save the Girls touchscreen purse sponsor message[00:02:35] - Meet guest Maddi Gordon: third-generation racer from Paso Robles, California[00:04:53] - Childhood memories, racing as a family, and no Barbie-doll phase[00:06:24] - Starting out in junior dragsters and racing through multiple classes[00:09:54] - Learning clutch, shifting, and engine knowledge through junior comp cars[00:10:48] - Moving into Super Comp, Top Dragster, and alcohol funny car[00:12:05] - Handling tough days, setbacks, and staying motivated[00:13:42] - Finding positives, diagnosing runs, and building toward excellence[00:16:16] - Transitioning into Maddi’s first year as a professional race car driver[00:19:47] - Season highlights, first semifinal run, and first Top Fuel win in Norwalk[00:22:26] - Family schedule, support system, and how often they can attend races[00:24:33] - Racing as a family tradition and a shared passion[00:26:29] - Representation, family values, and learning to carry the Gordon name with pride[00:27:16] - School life, missing class for racing, and staying disciplined[00:29:46] - How racing has shaped Maddi’s identity and confidence[00:35:12] - Where to follow Maddi Gordon Racing and Ron Capps Motorsports[00:36:28] - Advice for the next generation: dream big, work hard, and build support[00:38:44] - Looking ahead to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest Nationals Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://www.freedomracelifts.com/ Save the Girls: https://savethegirls.com/ SendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/ Ron Capps Motorsports: https://roncappsmotorsports.com/ Maddi Gordon Racing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Ron Capps Motorsports on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Women's Motorsports Network: https://womensmotorsportsnetwork.com/ NHRA: https://www.nhra.com/ Maddi’s story is a powerful example of what happens when passion meets preparation and family support. Her journey shows that racing is about more than results — it’s about growth, discipline, and the confidence to keep moving forward. As her career continues to rise, her message stays grounded: learn the car, respect the process, and never stop chasing the next opportunity. If you love drag racing, women in motorsports, and stories built on heart, this is one to remember.

Athena Rose Webster shares what it’s like to fall in love with racing at just four years old and keep building skill, confidence, and speed as a young kart driver. From her first NASCAR experience to competing at tracks across Missouri and Kansas, this conversation shows how early exposure, family support, and persistence can turn curiosity into a real motorsports journey. She talks about the different karts she drives, what it’s like being one of the few girls in her class, and how she stays focused when races get chaotic. Along the way, Athena opens up about learning racing lines, handling disappointment, working with her mom and dad in the pits, and why she believes there’s always another race. Her story is also a reminder that racing isn’t just about competition—it’s about friendships, family time, sponsors, and being an example for other young girls who might be thinking about giving it a try. Key Topics[00:01:53] - Discovering racing at age four after attending a NASCAR race[00:03:25] - Getting family involved and moving from practice to first race[00:03:36] - The different karts Athena drives: track car, wing car, flat kart, junior sprint[00:05:38] - Traveling to different tracks and making new friends[00:06:15] - Being one of the few girls in the class and why racing matters[00:07:25] - Support system: family, brother Apollo, and sponsors[00:09:17] - Learning racing lines and other early challenges[00:10:41] - Race-day mindset and passing strategy[00:12:42] - Tulsa Shootout experience and a third-place C-main finish[00:14:07] - Kart colors, number 15, and family racing setup[00:17:25] - Pit jobs, tire cleaning, oil changes, and helping mom[00:18:57] - Staying calm after a bad race: “You always have another chance”[00:20:35] - How social media helps grow racing and inspire other kids[00:22:38] - Trophies, wins, and moving up from kid kart to cadet kart[00:27:34] - Future goals: stepping up to bigger cars over time Relevant LinksAthena Rose Racing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kansas City Karting Association (KCKA): https://www.kckarting.com/Tulsa Shootout: https://www.tulsashootout.com/Flo Racing: https://www.floracing.com/High Limit Racing: https://www.highlimitracing.com/ Athena’s journey is proof that young drivers can learn fast, grow with every race, and build a future in motorsports one step at a time. Her attitude, her work ethic, and her love for racing make this a great listen for families, young racers, and anyone who wants to see more girls in karting and sprint cars. If you’re near one of her tracks, follow along, show up, and cheer her on—because athletes like Athena are helping make racing more welcoming for the next generation.

Racing is built in the shop just as much as it is on the track, and this conversation with 15-year-old legend car driver Zoey Smith shows exactly why that matters. From her first kart at age eight to competing in the Summer Shootout, Zoey shares what it takes to grow in motorsports, stay confident through tough seasons, and keep learning every time she rolls onto the track. She talks about the lessons that racing has taught her—patience, confidence, mental focus, and how to communicate what the car is doing—while also opening up about family support, race-day routines, and the work most fans never see. If you love young driver stories, dirt-to-asphalt transitions, and the next generation of women in racing, this one is for you. This episode also highlights safer garage and track equipment, plus the sponsors and support systems that help racers keep moving forward. Zoey’s perspective is a great reminder that motorsports isn’t just about speed; it’s about perseverance, community, and learning how to keep going when results don’t come right away. Key Topics[00:02:35] - Introduction to Zoey Smith and her background in racing[00:04:04] - How Zoey got started: family influence and her first kart[00:05:00] - What Zoey remembers about her first race[00:06:15] - Learning to give feedback on car handling and setup[00:07:00] - The encouragement and support she’s received from her dad[00:08:16] - First-race nerves, excitement, and advice for beginners[00:09:58] - A memorable run at Knoxville and English Creek in 2022[00:12:11] - Transitioning from dirt to asphalt and racing legend cars[00:13:37] - Tough seasons, losing streaks, and bouncing back stronger[00:15:07] - Confidence, patience, and life lessons racing has taught her[00:16:06] - The work fans don’t see: long shop nights and preparation[00:17:47] - Mental preparation and keeping race day simple[00:19:44] - Encouraging more girls to try racing[00:20:47] - The challenge of moving into legend cars[00:22:37] - Long-term goals and staying involved in motorsports[00:23:41] - Zoey’s impact on younger girls at the track[00:24:17] - Favorite track: Charlotte Motor Speedway area events[00:26:09] - Favorite racing memory and the community around Charlotte[00:27:18] - Why the racetrack atmosphere keeps her coming back[00:27:50] - Race-day superstitions and traditions[00:29:06] - Favorite track food and racing rivalries[00:30:16] - Music before racing and preferred playlist vibe[00:30:52] - Favorite place to start in the field[00:31:52] - Car number 44 and the family connection behind it[00:32:44] - Wins, sponsors, and where to find Zoey online[00:35:17] - Dream events: Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout[00:36:12] - Summer Shootout on FloRacing and closing remarks Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comSave the Girls: https://savethegirls.comFloRacing: https://www.floracing.comPic Crew Creations: https://www.etsy.com/shop/piccrewcreationsshopWomen’s Motorsports Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zoey Smith Racing on Facebook: search “Zoey Smith Racing”Zoey Smith Racing on Instagram: search “Zoey Smith Racing” Zoey’s story is a strong reminder that progress in racing comes from persistence, support, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether she’s chasing speed in legend cars or dreaming about the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout, her future in motorsports is already being shaped by the work she puts in today. For young racers and families listening, the biggest takeaway is simple: don’t quit after the first rough outing. Keep building, keep asking questions, and keep showing up. That’s how confidence grows, how skills sharpen, and how a passion for racing turns into something lasting.

Send us Fan Mail Dirt tracks have a way of revealing who you are the moment you turn in. Maddy Brook is only 17, but she already talks like someone who has learned that speed is equal parts courage, composure, and community. She joins us from Western Sydney to share how her life as a zookeeper at the Wildcat Conservation Center pairs surprisingly well with weekend competition in Australian speedway racing. Maddy walks us through her start in dirt go-kart racing, from growing up around the pits at Parramatta Speedway to the accidental come-and-try sign-up that pulled her family deeper into motorsports. We get into what it’s like chasing SKAA events and Australian titles, traveling long hours by car, and learning to adapt when weather, track conditions, and pressure change the plan. If you care about women in motorsports, youth racing development, or how drivers actually get their start, her story is as practical as it is inspiring. Then we shift to her newest challenge: lightning sprint cars (leader cars). Maddy opens up about a rookie season interrupted by an appendectomy, the nerves that come after a tip-over, and the moment she finally “trusts it” enough to start passing cars and land a top-10 finish. We also talk sponsorship, social media, and the very memorable team identity behind Fat Duck Racing, plus why she wants more girls to see themselves on the fence and then in the seat. Subscribe for more stories from women and girls in racing, share this with a future driver, and leave a review so more fans can find the show.  Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail A rear tire flies off on the last lap and you still take the win by crossing the finish line backwards. That’s the kind of real-world racing story we love, and teen driver Jillian Cole brings it with honesty, humor, and a clear look at what youth motorsports actually demands. We sit down with Jillian, a racer from Rio Linda, California, to talk about her path from local track nights and Power Wheels races into seven years of quarter midgets, and now into a 250 outlaw kart. She explains the biggest shock of moving up: the speed jumps, the driving gets more aggressive, and one small mistake can drop you straight to the back. If you’ve ever wondered about quarter midgets vs outlaw karts, Jillian lays out what changes and what skills carry over when the stakes feel higher. We also get into what happens off the track. Jillian shares what race day looks like with her parents as her pit crew, how mechanical work and prep are part of the sport, and why she’s focused this season on steady improvement instead of instant wins. She talks about being a girl in motorsports, gaining confidence, and learning to speak up after dealing with bullying both at school and at the track. Finally, we touch on building a racing presence on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube as her team keeps growing. If you care about grassroots racing, youth karting, women in motorsports, and the confidence that comes from doing hard things, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Subscribe to the podcast, share this with a racing parent or young driver, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories. Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail A $5 an hour summer job at a racetrack doesn’t sound like the start of a major motorsports career, but that’s exactly where Lauri Eberhart begins. From Michigan International Speedway to Nazareth Speedway to the NASCAR hub in North Carolina, Lori shows how motorsports careers are built in real time: by taking the work seriously, earning trust, and staying close to where the action and the people are.  We trace her journey through sports law and speedway leadership, including internships at Charlotte Motor Speedway, trademark and licensing work, and a pivotal leap into being corporate counsel and then general counsel as Speedway Motorsports goes public. Lauri shares what it’s like to learn capital markets on the fly, manage regulated investor communications, and help grow a company through major acquisitions. If you’re curious about the business side of racing, this is a rare look at how speedways expand, operate, and handle the legal realities of motorsports risk.  Then we shift to what the future can look like when more people feel welcomed into the sport. Lauri , now the national president of Women in Motorsports North America (Wimna), tells the Indy 500 pit road moment that inspired the organization and walks through practical programs like Electrify Your Career, local chapters, mentoring, membership, and the upcoming Wimna Career Connect job platform. If you want a clearer path into motorsports jobs, or you want to help someone else find theirs, this conversation is packed with real steps. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail A 10-year-old with a trophy shelf behind her sounds adorable until you realize she’s also a serious driver with a clear head for speed, strategy, and safety. We sit down with Laci Mitchell from Victoria, Australia, a fourth-generation racer who started at five and now races both quarter midgets and a junior sedan. Listening to her talk about racing feels like a masterclass in what kids can learn early when they’re given the right support, equipment, and seat time.   Laci walks us through what a junior sedan is, why it feels so different from a quarter midget, and what really changes when the car gets wider, the track feels bigger, and the pace picks up. We dig into confidence and racecraft, including one of the toughest skills for any new driver: making a clean pass on the outside when you can’t control what the other driver does. She also shares why the racetrack keeps pulling her back, from hanging out with friends and family to the thrill of chasing better results in points racing.  We also get practical about motorsports sponsorship and how it actually happens at the grassroots level. Laci lists her sponsors and says it plainly: she asked them to help and to be part of her program. And when the conversation turns serious, she describes rolling over in night shows and walking away fine, a powerful reminder of why racing safety equipment and good routines matter for every youth racing family.  If you care about women in motorsports, youth racing development, quarter midget racing, junior sedan racing, or building confident young drivers, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe to the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, share this with a racing parent or young driver, and leave us a review with your favorite takeaway. Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail Most racing stories start with childhood karting, but Katrina “Kat” Gray takes a route that feels a lot more like real life. Kat joins us from Lincolnshire in the UK, where she teaches people to drive for a living and still finds time to chase lap times on some of the most iconic road racing circuits in the country. Her path into motorsport begins with under-17 driver training on a circuit, a uniquely British workaround since learners can’t drive on public roads before 17, and it quickly turns into a full-on obsession with track days and racing.  We get into the details of grassroots UK racing, including Kat’s current ride, a supercharged Mini Cooper R53, and what it’s like competing in Track Action where multiple classes share the same race. Kat walks through her nine-year progression from Citroën C1 endurance and sprint racing to the Focus Cup Championship, then finally into the Mini she always wanted. Along the way, she names the tracks that shaped her as a driver, from Silverstone and Donington to Cadwell Park, Knockhill, Oulton Park, and Brands Hatch, and explains why the paddock vibe keeps pulling her back.  We also talk honestly about women in motorsports, sponsorship challenges, and why visibility matters when you’re often the only woman on the grid. Kat shares what she loves most: meeting fans up close, welcoming young girls into the car for photos, and showing that this sport can be a long-term passion at any age. If you care about UK motorsport, club racing, Mini Cooper racing, driver confidence, or building a more welcoming paddock, this conversation will stick with you.  Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories. What part of Kat’s journey feels most familiar to you? Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail You don’t need to start racing at five years old to belong on a racetrack. Melinda Russell sits down with Kim Estep, a Porsche racer who didn’t take her first laps until her 30s, and still built a path into real competition through coaching, club racing, and the kind of community that pulls you forward when you’re ready for more. Kim shares the moments that changed everything: learning at Lime Rock Park, discovering she had a real feel for the car, and the wild “break it you buy it” story that ended with her in a Porsche 996 GT3. From there we get into what it actually takes to progress, from finding a race shop and choosing the right car to racing a Porsche Cayman in a spec-style series and earning trophies. If you’ve ever wondered how amateur motorsports works, this conversation makes the ladder visible and doable. We also talk about the bigger picture: why racing can be oddly calming when your day job is high-pressure, what an empty-nester move near Road Atlanta unlocks, and why endurance racing series like ChampCar and WRL keep calling when teams need drivers who are fast, predictable, and safe. Along the way, we dig into safety and access, from lift and jack safety in the paddock to the modern gear and barriers that help drivers walk away. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try autocross, book a track day, or simply visit your local racetrack and ask questions, this is it. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with the age you’d like to take your first laps. Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell

Send us Fan Mail Drag racing taught Danika Miles how to perform under pressure, but dirt racing forced her to rebuild everything she thought she knew. Danika is 18, already nine years into motorsports, and she’s not sugarcoating what it takes to grow up around racing, sponsors, and serious expectations while still figuring out who you are off the track. If you’ve ever wondered what real mental toughness looks like, her story lands hard because it starts with anxiety that once made everyday places feel impossible.  We walk through her path from junior dragster racing in the PDRA to a full switch into dirt track racing at Lancaster Motor Speedway. Danika explains why the move happened, what surprised her about the dirt racing culture, and how different it feels to race wheel-to-wheel at speed while managing traffic, split-second decisions, and the reality that contact can happen even when you’re trying to race clean. She also shares the leap into becoming an owner-driver with Danika Miles Motorsports, paying for parts, learning in the shop, and chasing that first big win after years of coming close.  A big part of this conversation is confidence, safety, and identity. Danika opens up about being the only girl at the track on many nights, dealing with online hate, and still choosing accountability when things go wrong. We also talk about authentic social media for race teams, how Instagram and Facebook can attract sponsors, and why fans respond to real behind-the-scenes work more than polished highlight reels. Danika shares what it’s like to race while managing ulcerative colitis, fatigue, and the ongoing work of keeping anxiety in check.  If you care about women in motorsports, dirt track racing, junior drag racing, racing mindset, or finding confidence through hard things, you’ll take a lot from Danica’s honesty. Subscribe for more stories like this, share the episode with a racing friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Support the show FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/womens-network-144773298 X: https://x.com/IWMANation FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell