What do you think about Danica Patrick and other female racers?
“ I strongly appreciate and admire a driver’s talent, regardless of gender. However, ill admit that I have somewhat of a bias in favor of other female drivers. Racing is one of the few sports where men and women compete on the same playing field. Seeing other women becoming successful at motorsports highest levels,affirms in my mind that my goals are obtainable. My favorite female drivers include Erin Crocker, Danica Patrick, Janet Guthrie, and St. Lynn James.”
How did you get started in racing?
“ I began racing go-karts when I was fifteen. One of my friends had a kart in his garage that he hadn’t raced in a few years. I thought it looked like fun, and decided to buy one of my own.”
Do you have any family members that raced?
“ No, I don’t have any immediate family members that raced.”
How fast have you driven?
“ That’s a tough question to answer because we don’t have any speedometers in the car, and everything is based on average speed. When I raced at the Milwaukee Mile I would estimate that I got going upwards of 140 mph. The first couple of laps seemed fast, but once you get in a rhythm, it doesn’t seem fast. When it does feel fast is when you try and get the car to slow down.”
Are you scared?
“ Not at all. Sometime I get nervous before getting in the car, but once the pace laps get started all that goes away. Part of racings allure is the element of danger. While this adds to the excitement of the sport, it’s something that as a driver you’re always
aware of.”
Are drivers really athletes?
“ Absolutely! The physical strain your body goes through during a race is tremendous. You need to be in good cardiovascular shape, and have excellent upper-body strength. The inside of a racecar gets upwards of 120 degrees during a race, and drivers have been known to loose 10lbs of sweat as a result of it. And if that’s not enough, the physical strain says nothing of the mental strain drivers go through.”
What’s so hard about turning left?
“ While it may look simple, racing on ovals is very difficult. The fact that it’s simple in its approach, and that everyone else is trying to do the same thing with the same equipment, makes it extremely hard to excel at. That’s why you see so much side-by-side racing, passing, and action in oval track racing. If it was easy, anyone could do it.”
Is it safer to drive on the street or on the track?
“ It’s much safer to drive on the track. Unless your one of those crazies driving a sprint car or a midget. At a racetrack, you have ambulances, rescue crews and tow trucks all standing by in the event an accident were to occur. You are also well protected in a race car with a full containment seat, fire suit, helmet, head and neck restraint, With all the injuries, and fatalities on the street, its hard to imagine why no auto manufacturer has stepped up and implemented a street car with similar safety technology used in a race car.”
What is your favorite track?
“ Surprisingly, Rockford is my favorite track. Although ive had bad luck, and little success driving there, I still favor it. Most people I race with find Rockford to be their least favorite track, as you tend to break a lot of equipment racing there, hence the nickname “Wreckford”. Slinger is a close second on my favorites list.”
What are you doing for school?
“ I will graduate from Homestead High school in the spring of 2008. I plan to attend Marquette University, and earn a degree in broadcast and electronic media communication.”
What does your mom think about all of this?
“ She gets very nervous watching me, but still supports it.”
What sports teams do you follow?
“ I follow the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, and Marquette basketball.”
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
“ Yes, I have a twin sister, and older sister, and a half brother.”
