Horsepower and Heels

Crossing the Finishline of Fear

Horsepowerandheels — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:45:38 GMT

I recently read an article recommended by a triathlete friend that really moved me. It's an amazing read about 8 triathletes who face terror and fear after one of them fell victim to a Great White Shark fatality. The story not only memorializes Dave Martin who died that day in San Diego, but also goes into the mental anguish that faced not only Martin's family, but also the woman who was beside him in the water that day.

The story reminded me very much of one of the core reasons I sought to pursue drag racing. I've never publicly told this story, but much like the woman in the water that day, this is my release, my closure.

Back in 1998, I had bought my first Mustang GT, a 1990 model which I had taken out to the track for test and tune almost every Wednesday and Friday night since right after graduation in 1998. My friends and my boyfriend at the time all had Mustangs and we would compete for who was faster.

One afternoon in March of 2000, my boyfriend and I got into a terrible fight. We did not have a healthy relationship at all, but being so young I didn't recognize it at the time. We had just left his grandma's in Polk City, FL for an employee softball game at Disney. I have no recollection what the fight was even about, only that I was nearing my threshold in terms of what I was willing to tolerate, and he was flexing his temper and control. In tears bordering hysterics, I turned my car around, pulling into his grandmother's driveway, and asked him to go to the game by himself so I could head for home. I unfastened my seat belt, and moved to go inside to collect my things.

He snapped me back into the car, screaming that I needed to get in the car and hurry up, that if he was late for this game, hell would pay. Seeing that it was escalating quickly, I unwisely opted to oblige, hoping to get him there and onto other tasks and away from me.

The trip down Interstate 4 was a blur. I remember the crying, the screaming, the insults.... and I remember just wanting to get there and get him out of my car. We were somewhere between Polk City/Haines City and Kissimmee at this point, and the speedometer climbed the more heated it got:

80 mph....

90 mph.....

100 mph....

I knew it wasn't wise, but as my tears blurred my vision, I silently hoped a cop would pull me over and help me escape him.

.....And that's when it happened.

He looked down, seeing how fast I was going, and spit fire.

"Oh, you want to die, huh? YOU WANT TO DIE?"

He grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it to the right. I countered, and tried to pull it away from him.

It didn't matter.

We spun around at over 100mph and slid down the embankment into the left median, a wooded area dividing the two directions on the interstate. The car struck a tree on the passenger fender, spinning it around into several other trees.

When the dirt settled, I had been ejected from the car.

I ALWAYS wore my seat belt, but at his grandma's, I had removed it, and never reattached. The impact with the trees had sent me airborne, breaking my drivers seat backwards and in half, and breaking the back seat before I exited the car out the hatch glass, which I broke with the force of my shoulder colliding. The car came to rest, and my body was sitting partly on the rear wing, wrapped around a large pine tree, wearing a cape of broken glass still attached by tint.

I was numb and in shock. Its odd how you do not feel any pain... you feel nothing at all those first few minutes. I looked down and did not see my right arm. I couldn't move it, and was panicked. Thinking it had been severed, I grabbed with my left arm over, and realized that my right arm was severely dislocated and behind me at an odd angle. I reached for my legs, which were there and accounted for. I then felt nauseous.

The boyfriend, after apparently looking over and not seeing me anywhere inside the car, had started screaming my name. I couldn't speak, couldn't find my voice. I could hardly moan. He had kept his seat belt on the whole time, and had stayed right where he was supposed to in the car (see, proof you SHOULD wear your seat belt at all times). He somehow got his door open and out of the car. I remember him vaguely asking where was I, and after finding me out of the car, if I was okay.

All I could mutter was: "My CAAAR! MY CAAAR!"

He tried to pick me up, but I screamed for him not to touch me. He insisted that I had to get away from the car, that it was leaking gas, as he grabbed me from the wing to carry me up the embankment. He told me that he was sorry, and please not to say anything.

"Look what you did! My CAR!"

But, somehow, fear gripped me. I don't know if it was fear of him, or fear that the insurance wouldn't cover the accident, but I told the officer that I had just suddenly lost control. Witnesses had claimed seeing a tire re-tread kicked up, which had been dragged by my car's front spoiler down the embankment, so the officer and witnesses assumed it had caused the accident. I never was ticketed. I was transported to the hospital, underwent many X-Rays, and was released to my boyfriends grandmother with a dislocated shoulder set in a sling. I would never regain full range of motion, halting my other passion of Volleyball.

The story was re-told a 1,000 times. Something in the road.... blah, blah, blah.... lost control... blah, blah, blah.... hit trees.... blah. In the end, I had this huge failure finger pointed at me. Because I couldn't control car, I couldn't handle it.... Again, out of a fear incomprehensible to me now, I stayed with the boyfriend for several more months. And in those months of that story being told, he started to believe it himself.

"It never would have happened if you could have controlled the car."

"You'll never be able to drive a RACECAR! You couldn't even control THAT."

Worse than the self-doubt that was forced upon me, I was PARALYSED by fear being in any kind of car. I screamed if we went around curves too fast, I would cry hysterically if the car got a little squirrely in the rain. Mainly, I was scared of other people's driving, or when I was going around curves in the rain, basically any time I perceived a chance that the car might get sideways. It went on and on for many months, even beyond when I finally wised up and left him.

It was a very dark secret to hide. I didn't want to be scared anymore. I didn't want to let this fear control me. I still loved drag racing, and still dreamed of being a professional racer. I wanted to beat this, I was DETERMINED TO BEAT THIS.

In late November of that year, I came across the now-ex at the racetrack. I had since become a permanent staple at Lugo Peformance, the speed shop we all had frequented, and had ventured to the track with Dennis on this evening.

The ex was there, looking smug as he was so good at doing, with his car in the staging lanes. He had done a lot of work to it (much at my expense!), and it now was what I considered "fast" at the time. A mid to high 11 second turbo car.

Though I had made some passes in my own car (a replacement 93 Mustang GT which was basically bone stock), I still secretly was gripped by fear of losing control. Dennis, who learned of the truth behind the accident, had tried to help me get past it, without success.

Words were exchanged that night... I can't even remember the snarky comment he made, but something angered me to my boiling point. I sought out Dennis, and asked him for the keys to the "racecar" that night.... a 92 Paxton Novi 2000 coupe.... THE coupe that I would later adopt as MY racecar.

"What?!? Are you sure?"

Dennis of course, was very surprised by my request. He had offered many other times to let me drive, but I just simply couldn't. My mind was poisoned by planted doubt. But Dennis saw a different fire in my eyes that night. I don't know if it was my competitive nature, or if I finally had enough, but I was going to end it for good that night... end my fear's grip over me, and end his mental poison in my mind. I was going to beat it all... the accident, my fear, and HIM.

Dennis took me aside and showed me what to do. He walked me through the different transmission, and asked me how I felt. Surprisingly, I was numb again. That same numb I felt just moments after the accident, where I felt like I was above my body watching it all happen. But, I was ready.

The first pass, I ran a 12.20.... Dennis told me just to leave the transmission in drive and let it do the work itself. I didn't even use the safety harness, I used the regular seatbelt because I was worried the harness would remind me of the claustrophobic feeling I had being strapped to the backboard in the accident. I'm pretty sure he turned it down for me out of concern, he didn't want to scare me and make it worse. But that wasn't good enough, I wanted more. I wanted to BEAT him.

So Dennis, opened the hood, made some adjustments, and walked me through using the transbrake, launching the car, and manually shifting. I had never been on slicks before, I had never used a transbrake before, and the fastest I had ever been was a 13.80 @ 98mph.

It was the last pass of the night. I harnessed in this time, and felt even more determined. I did my burnout, staged and grabbed the transbrake. I put my foot to the floor, and let go..... the shiftlight glowing at each shift of that pass forever seals my memory of that night.

And then I did it.... I crossed the finishline.

I ended up running an 11.20 @ 124mph that pass, faster than him, faster than I had ever been. Crossing that finishline released me of that fear, released me of his poison. Though I did have some lingering fears that made me an overly cautious racer for several years, the hold over me was broken.

I could.... I can... and I DID.

Now, I've moved my way up to Pro Mod, and I still secretly am proud and vindicated when I see him at the races knowing that I've been where he said I couldn't go, and where HE has not and never will be. Crossing the finishline first ahead of him and fear, the win light that night was MINE.

Representing: Carlise, PA

Horsepowerandheels — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:03:36 GMT

Here's Mikey Cintino, one of Horsepower & Heels favorite fans, rawkin' the new Horsepower & Heels Men's Silhouette T-shirts at the Fall Car Show in Carlise, Pennsylvania.

Thanks Mikey! You are AWESOME!

Wanna get in on the action?
Have a cool bar or other location you want to support?
Help us get the Horsepower & Heels word out! Just pick up a Horsepower & Heels decal, or some other Horsepower & Heels merchandise from the E-Store and when you find a cool home for it, send us a picture to press[at]horsepowerandheels[dot]com.

Labels: Reppin' for HandH

On a Mission (fo reals this time)

Horsepowerandheels — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:01:02 GMT

Remember this thing? >>>

Yea. THAT THING. My racecar. Almost forgot I drove one, huh?

Me too.

Well, its been ENTIRELY too long, and I've had enough. I'm on an unstoppable mission now to get this thing DONE and out there again. And I'm not letting even the crappy economy hold me back this time. Nope, I've got a PLAN.

The car will be done for the PRI Show this year. DONE. Complete. Ready-to-go. It might in fact, be IN the PRI show for Brisk too. (Waiting to see if they have the booth space to make it happen.) Its been soooo close for entirely too long. I just needed a little extra to make it happen, and life kept popping up in my way.

Well, I've been really busy lately. For once, I have a good excuse why I haven't been posting as much. I've been working. Yes, 10 years later, I decide to make a 2nd comeback tour at my high school employer, Target, right back behind the Guest Services counter. I've been picking up every available shift after work and on the weekends. My social life? Gone. But the extra cash will be used to get BACK TO THE RACETRACK.

In the last few weeks, I've worked my normal 40hrs at my day job, and then another 35hours at Target. I'm tired, and I haven't done a single thing but work in weeks, but those extra paychecks are starting to add up.

Labels: In the Shop

On. Off. BACK ON.

Horsepowerandheels — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:02:03 GMT

Okay, I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round (in a good way, of course).

Here's where we're at on the playground....

A) A few weeks ago, I get a call from TV Land.

B) They want me to submit an audition tape for a reality TV show pitch involving the Stevens Family team and Top Fuel Racing as a Family Owned Business.

C) But, despite how excited they were about us, they couldn't proceed because of uncertainty in sponsorship.

So, as per usual, I ride the rollercoaster of emotion: High at thinking this might be my "Big Break", and then the low of finding out not this time again. I'm used to it. Happens a whole lot more than you could imagine, actually. Still, I keep trying for the next one....

Well, I got a phone call from Dave Stevens yesterday. Katie from TVLand called him back to tell him that we're back in consideration for the show!

So I'm asking all of you again to please keep your fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for us! Maybe there's hope yet of Top Fuel in 2009!

Labels: press, women in racing

Racing a COP?!?

Horsepowerandheels — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:55:00 GMT

Sherry Heyl, writer of one of the blogs I read daily (So...What's Next) wrote a post just for me that made me laugh. Its about her racing adventure one night, where she quickly found out that she had faced off against Miami's finest in Blue.

It reminded me of all the hilarious stories I've heard from fellow racers (and a few of my own...) about their speedy run-ins with the police.

Here's one of mine....

Back when gas was cheap in 2003, I made a weekend road trip from Orlando, FL to Cincinnati, OH in my turbocharged 93 coupe. That thing made about 600 horsepower to the rear wheels, and it was built with the purpose of outrunning Z06's on the highway (not that its safe OR legal.... I was young and dumb!), which meant it would do well over the normal governed mph of 120, and it would do it QUICKLY.

I was making REALLY good time through Georgia and into Tennessee (*AHEM* which means I hadn't been caught speeding yet) when I started to pull into the outskirts of Knoxville. The landscape was a little hilly, but the traffic was moving right along. I, of course, felt compelled to lead the pack, which had me doing about 90-95mph as I peaked over a hill, and right into the Radar of Mr. Nice Tennessee Highway Patrol man waiting at the bottom of the hill.

Before I could even get passed him, I see his lights flash, and a big cloud of dirt as he spins the car around in the median. I had the split-second Oh-Shit-WhatDoIDo hesistation, but being that I knew I was already in deep doo-doo, and traffic behind me was pretty heavy, I did a dumb thing.... I GOT BACK IN THE THROTTLE.

Now I am no Bo and Luke Duke, who always seem perfectly poised to outrun the local cops. I had no idea about the landscape, and I really didn't want to end up ripped out of my car and splat on the aphault on the next episode of Why I Ran or Cops (cue cheesey music). But I also knew that he only had a Crown Vic, and my car outpowered him by about 400 horsepower and a few psi of boost pressure.

The hills in that area were rolling, so after a few up-and-downs, I lost sight of him behind me as the next exit presented itself. I quickly got off, and pulled past the gas station (they ALWAYS look there) into the next lot, a hotel. I immediately pulled around back and threw the thing in park, frantically thinking of what I would say when he rolled up behind me, guns drawn and ready to shoot.

I paced my way up to the front of the hotel, just in time to see him circling the gas station and heading further down the road still looking for his ellusive runner.

Shaking like a craps game, I ran back to my car and promptly returned to the highway, going about 5mph UNDER the speedlimit for the rest of my trip.

Talk about dumb!!!!

What dumb things did you do in your youth that got the attention of the blue flashing lights?

No "Hi Mom" this time

Horsepowerandheels — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:40:35 GMT

Bummer.

Got a call from Katie with the production crew for TV Land... they said that while it was a great concept and they really were behind the idea, they couldn't continue on with the Stevens Family/Top Fuel show idea because of the uncertainty of sponsorship.

Unfortunately, the show deadline was too fast to use that to our advantage in shoring up some on-the-fence deals. I received the call only days before they had to make a decision, and there wasn't any time to use the show to our advantage in a pitch.

I'm a sad panda. But when one door closes.....

Labels: press

Audition Tape Sent!

Horsepowerandheels — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:21:23 GMT

Remember I told you about the TVLand Reality Series that The Stevens Family Racing team and I were being considered for?

Well, today I sent off my final audition tape for the show. The production company is combining it with the footage that Dave and the other Stevens Family team members have assembled, and shipping it off to the TVLand Network execs for approval tomorrow.

Keep your fingers crossed!

(photo courtesey flickr user freefotouk)

Labels: press

Interview with Because I Played Sports

Horsepowerandheels — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:23:58 GMT

Last week, I talked about one of my favorite blogs, Because I Played Sports, for Blog Day 2008.

This week, they've done an interview with me for the site.

Check it out here: http://becauseiplayedsports.com/2008/09/07/interview-because-she-played-erica-ortiz-professional-drag-racer/

Labels: press

Reading Recommendations

Horsepowerandheels — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:23:16 GMT

I do a massive amount of reading everyday.... literally, my Google Reader contains *hundreds* of blog subscriptions.

After my eclectic Blog Day 2008 post, some people were asking me where do I find them, how many do I read, and if I had any more to recommend.

Well, I can do better than that. Google Reader has a "Shared Items" feature that allows me to aggregate all of the posts that I read that I've chosen to share with others. I haven't used this option so much in the past, but I am making it a habit to start now.

So, if you're ever interested in what I'm currently reading and finding interesting, check out my Shared Items page on Google.

(NOTE: Don't know what Google Reader is? Check out this Google Reader Tour. Trust me, it makes life WAY easier to get the news coming to you.)

Coming Soon to your TV?!?

Horsepowerandheels — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:26:21 GMT

Got an interesting call today.

It was from a producer at the TVLand Network, who because of my involvement with Stevens Family Racing, wanted to know if I'd be interested in being the subject of a new show they are looking to feature for next year.

The show would feature an unique family owned business, and the Stevens Family Racing operation is high on their list of considerations.

Here's an excerpt from their casting call:

Are you part of a family business? Pink Sneakers Productions and TV Land are currently casting for a new reality series that will document the life of one dynamic, over-the-top, outgoing family. If you clock in and out of a unique, exciting and drama-filled family business, we want to talk to you. If you’ve ever said, “This family should be on a reality show,” this is your chance to make it happen!

We are casting immediately, so please email us at familybusiness@pinksneakers.net. Please be sure to include your name, contact information, a quick autobiography and at least three photos by Sept. 1, 2008.

Right now, I'm putting together a video for the producers about the Stevens Family Team, and I am not sure if we'll be selected or not, but I am really excited about this opportunity! How great would it be to see a family team go up against all the big name teams in drag racing on your local TVLand Network? And the fact that it would make my Top Fuel dream come true at the same time is just icing on the cake!

What do you think? Would you watch it?

Labels: press, women in racing

Blog Day 2008

Horsepowerandheels — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:24:33 GMT

Devilish Southern Belle, a kickass local blogger here in Huntsville, sent me word that she had named me one of her 5 "Kickass Blogger" awardee's, which I am really honored to receive. With a great motto of "Housework. Teenagers. Rock N Roll", she's a great read to follow along with. Always a pleasure to know, you really should check her out! Thanks so much, DSB!

Coinciding with Blog Day 2008, I decided to pick out 5 of my favorite blogs to read and share them with you. Some are racing related, others have very different subjects, but all are very interesting and entertaining. Check them out, and if you like what you read, be sure to leave a comment and join the conversation. The great part about blogging is being able to share with so many people and start great conversation. Then, be sure to participate with your own Top 5, following the Blog Day format (details at http://www.blogday.org/). Better late than never!

So without further ado.... my top 5 (in no particular order)!

Burning Blog
Maybe its from my wanderlust, or my absolute fascination with this week-long pilgrimage into the desert, but the Burning Blog is a photo documentary of the Burning Man event that takes place every year in Nevada. The photos are just captivating, and it is so amazing to see the build-up, the gathering, and then the burning of a complete city in the middle of nowhere from sand to structure to ash.
The (un)Real John Force Blog: Satire for those that Celebrate a Champion
Those of you who love crazy Nitro Funny Car driver John Force will love this underground (un)Real John Force narrative. The author is unknown, but by the content and pictures, its clear that the mystery writer has some inside knowledge of the John Force racing team.
ADRL Agent 660 Notes: ADRL Scoops and Rumors
The American Drag Racing League has struck gold with the addition of this column by veteran motorsports reporter and new communications manager Ian Tocher. Agent 660 Notes really gives fans and racers the inside scoop behind race happenings and into the activities of their favorite drivers. Not your standard race report or press release mill, the Notes section is reported on with a secret agent operative theme, giving you the inside track to everything ADRL, opinion and rumored included.
Church of Choppers
This is a collection of rad old school customs, choppers, and other neat finds. Updated several times daily from blog members in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Des Moines, and Long Beach, there are always cool finds on the site from around the country and around the world.
...Because I Played Sports
Because I am really passionate about supporting women in sports of all kinds, this blog caught my eye for its coverage of women in all types of sports that are competing and kicking ass. Really great scope on women's athletics, especially during this summer's olympic games.

So what are your favorites? Leave me a comment link to your post, or comment on some of my suggestions.

Follow here for other Blog Day posts! BlogDay2008

Labels: Lists

Look out Barbie!

Horsepowerandheels — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:23:35 GMT

Barbie's got some competition. She's not the only one with a cool pink car!

Ashley Force is debuting a pink rendition of her Castrol sponsored Mustang Nitro Funny car at "The Big GO" in Indy this weekend.

As much as she's a proponent of Girl Power, I wondered why she had never incorporated a pink theme into her graphics. Well, this weekend she will be racing a Bubble Gum Pink racecar as her Rookie of the Year themed entry. The special edition is a one-race appearance, so unfortunately it will be short-lived.

What a great idea in getting back to the Shirley Muldowney-inspired symbolism! Big thumbs up for this one!

(photo courtesey: John Force Racing)

Labels: women in racing

Top 10 Favorite Racecars of all Time

Horsepowerandheels — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:27:37 GMT

There are so many cars over the years that have had a strong impression on me personally. Here are my Top 20, in no particular order.

1. John Gullett's 2000 Single Turbo Mustang Pro 5.0 Car
This car single-handedly was the reason I ever wanted to drive a Pro 5.0 car in the first place. The car seemed to have gone through about 20 paint metamorphosis' in its life time (they change paint as often as I change spark plugs), but my favorite of all time was this purple and bronze flamed rendition (at left).

Acheivements: John broke many FFW Pro 5.0 records, the latest running a 6.36 with a small block and twin turbos in 2006.

Where is it now? Though the car was put up for sale at the end of 2006, John still owns the car and has put it aside to focus on family for awhile.

2. Mike Ashley's Gone in 6.0 Seconds "Eleanor" GT 500 Mustang Pro Mod

This is my all-time favorite Pro Mod, and quite possibly my favorite car of all time. The first time I saw Eleanor was at the inaugural Drag Stock event in Jackson, SC. That weekend, Mike pushed Eleanor to the first 3 second 1/8th mile performance, a feat that was celebrated by Gotham City handing out free t-shirts. I ran to get mine, and I still have that shirt.

Achievements: The car evolved into many different forms over the years Mike campaigned the car, and was the car he won his NHRA Pro Mod Championship in.

Where is it now? Tim Tindle current owns the car and still competes in NHRA Pro Mod.

3. Scotty Cannon's 'Mater 1963 Studebaker Pro Mod

This car is one of the coolest looking and most successful cars around. Made famous by six time Pro Mod Champion Scotty Cannon, and later driven by son Scott Cannon, the car has seen more winners circles than any other car out there.

Where is it now? Local Alabama racer R.E. Smith now owns the car and is competing in the Southern Outlaw Series, which is cool because I get to see the car alot now.

4. Mike Murillo's Texas Jam "Star Car" Super Street Outlaw Mustang

The Star Car was probably the very first car that made me want to drag race, period. The first time I saw the car in person was on the cruise to World Ford Challenge in 1999. I was so very excited because I found out Mike Murillo was staying at the very same hotel I was in Joliet. That was in my early years of racing, and I was completely star-struck by Mike.

Achievements: This car defines the hay-day of Mustang 5.0 Racing, and is a legend of its time. Mike won all kinds of Super Street Outlaw Championships with this car.

Where is it now? I'm not sure what happened to the original Star Car, but Mike races on in Outlaw 10.5 with a newer, badderer version, Star Car 2.

5. Steve Grebeck's "Psycho Bitch" Pro 5.0 Mustang

This car was so ahead of its time, and also the most tragic of the list. Grebeck's rich history in Mustang racing made him one of my favorite drivers. He started off driving one of the earliest cars in Mustang Racing history, Stormin' Norman's convertible. But this car, named Psycho Bitch for its violent tendencies, was one of the most advanced and impressive machines I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, Steve lost his life in the car at the Orlando FFW race in 2002. That day, that pass will forever be etched in my mind. I felt such incredible sadness that I never pushed pass my shyness to meet and talk to him while he was still with us.

Achievements: The car, owned and sponsored by Harry Hrushka at Precision Turbo, was one of fastest turbo doorslammers in its day, and well ahead of its time.

Where is it now? The car was involved in a fatal crash with Bill Rimmer at the 2002 Fun Ford Weekend Spring Break Shootout in Orlando, FL. RIP, Steve Grebeck.

6. Billy Glidden's Super Street Mustang

I remember jumping the fence at the Orlando World Street Finals in 1999 just to get a photo with Billy Glidden, one of the most famous and notorious Mustang racers. Though him and I would later have some not-so-pleasant run-ins over my move to Pro 5.0, its hard to argue with the legendary feats that he's accomplished as a racer, and his mark as Drag Racing's very own Celebu-spawn. Billy is the son of Pro Stock icon Bob Glidden.

Achievements: This man is legendary in the winners circle in every form of street racing, all with a tried-and-true small block nitrous combination.

Where is it now? The same car, in service for almost a decade, is still earning Billy and Shannon paychecks on a regular basis.

7. Tom Moore/Dennis Lugo Super Street Outlaw Mustang

I learned so much about racing from this car. The first car I ever was in the pits with, Dennis' driving of this true 10" tire'd freak machine was pretty inspirational. Running back in 99-00, the car was quite the handful with wild wheelies and plenty of squirrel-y action.

Achievements: Held the last standing FFW true 10" record before the class allowed the 10.5W tire.

Where is it now? Last known location, the car was sold to Javier Collazo in Puerto Rico.

8. "Big Daddy" Dwayne Gutridge's Drag Radial Mustang

THE reason I chose to start my career in Drag Radial racing.... the famous launch MM&FF picture of Dwayne's car with all 4 wheels off the ground, on BF Goodrich Drag Radials (sorry, couldn't find it online). I spent all of 2003 chasing Big Daddy for the runner-up in FFW Drag Radial. The man was crazy on BFGs.

Achievements: Was on top of the Radial revolution, and virtually unstoppable for several years on BFG Drag Radials.

Where is it now? Not entirely sure, but I'd bet that Dwayne still has this car.

9. Mike Ashley's Torco Nitro Funny Car

Mike makes the list twice because it was the first nitro car I ever got up close and personal with. The Gotham City team played host to me at the 2006 US Nationals, allowing me to go to the starting line with a Nitro Funny Car and sit in the pits as they serviced it between rounds. Not only did I make some great friends and learned about the "Big Boys", it truly was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and what fueled my desire to drive a Nitro car. Mike's stories at the hotel over dinner about his learning curve of moving to Funny Car from Pro Mod are so inspiring and entertaining.

Achievements: Mike won several Wallys in Funny Car during his two year stint, with the pinnacle being his US Nationals win in 2007.

Where is it now? Melanie Troxel took over driving duties in 2008 with new sponsor and owner Roger Burgess of R2B2 Racing.

.....and since I just couldn't decide, #10 is a TIE.

10. Jason Wood's 1959 Cadillac Hearse Pro Streeter

For most creative and all-around cool, my vote goes to this unique ride that I was able to check out for the first time at the 2007 Orlando World Street Nationals. The attention to detail is really impressive, and creativity is just unsurpassed.

Where is it now? The car had an up-close encounter with the wall at its first outing, but my hopes is they have it back out and better than ever.

[and]

Travis Swearingen's Junkyard Willys Pro Mod

Besides being a super cool team, (hi Barb and Dan!) the Swearingen's have a badass little hotrod. It may look like a junker, but that's the beauty of it... the car is painted up to be a rusty old Willys, and again, its all in the details. The front, broken grill has bugs splattered with interesting *ahem* anatomy. Check out the details if you ever see this one in person.

Where is it now? You can check this one out on the ADRL Pro Extreme tour.

Labels: Lists

More than a Tomboy

Horsepowerandheels — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:26:51 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me.

I do something as casual and unassuming as wearing a dress to work, and you'd think the apocalypse was upon us.

"Whoa, Erica! Look at you! You are actually wearing a DRESS! And, ::gasp:: you have LEGS!?!"

NEWSFLASH: Despite my inclination to wear racing tanks/t-shirts and a firesuit, I DO actually wear a dress and heels from time-to-time in everyday life.

So for those who are in disbelief that I might actually look like a girl sometimes, here you go:

Yes, I do wear skirts and dresses.

Yes, I do *actually* wear heels on a regular basis.

And yes, occasionally, you might even catch me wearing make-up too.

(oh, and yes, that is my little teacup chihuahua, Blanca)

Now that we have that myth debunked, we can all carry on....

Labels: women in racing

Ashley Force Poetry

Horsepowerandheels — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:48:29 GMT

Found this on Ashley Force's Myspace. I think its great!

'Twas the Week Before Indy…..
'Twas the week before Indy and all through the town
I ran last minute errands in my Mustang all around
To the dry cleaners to pick up my dirty fire suit
The hair salon to touch up and condition my roots
Packing my luggage…I'd be gone for 12 days!
The piles of clothes in my closet had become quite a maze!
So hopeful I was for this upcoming race
To beat up on the boys and try to take first place
For now the big challenge was not to win rounds
But to pack up my luggage in less than 50 pounds
Off to LAX airport we hoped not to be late
We checked in, went to security, then up to our gate
Race credentials and schedules filled up my bags
But of course I had room to grab a couple gossip mags!
Now I sit on this plane thinking of my upcoming week
The packed schedule of race teams is not for the meek!
But I made sure to relax and get my rest
To be ready for our upcoming race and feel my best
Indy brings many memories, some high some low
Now it's time again, so here we go!
First we stop by Chicago to visit family
Then Florida to film a show about Sanyo TV's
Tuesday we head up to Indy on an evening flight
In time for dinner at Andy's for our weekly team night
Wednesday a press conference in downtown Indianapolis
We'll talk about the Indy race that no fan will want to miss!
Some radio, newspaper and magazine interviews
I'll talk about racing dad, and how I hope not to lose!
And also how motivated Team Force is to win
Then it's back to our Indy shop to film with ESPN
Wednesday winds to an end but the fun just began
We'll head to the bowling alley with our crews and their fam
I'm not too good at bowling unless it's on Wii
If you're in the lane next to me you might want to flee!
Early the next morning after a quick Starbucks run
It'll be off to Ford to meet fans and have a little fun
A few more interviews and a trip to Wal-mart
Things for my trailer and the race, fill up my cart
We'll head to our home (the Comfort Inn Suites)
To clean up and change…and rest our feet!
Then back to the city for a Mac Tools event
After that it's to bed…what a week! I'm spent!
As I climb in to bed I don't have to count sheep
While brushing my teeth I'd twice fallen asleep!
What a crazy but fun busy week this has been
And tomorrow is when the race will actually begin!
I can't wait to get to the track with my team
Meet with sponsors and fans and drive that Funny Car machine
We hope to race and get qualified so that we can play
On the day we all look forward to racing on…Race Day!
National Anthem, Prayer and then the cars start
Engines roaring to life is for sure the best part!
Many memories and great times at this historic place
And now I'm so excited to be a part of the big Indy Race!

Labels: women in racing