Women's Motorsports Network Podcast

Leah Dibble, a fervent racing enthusiast and co-owner of the Hartford Speedway, has a rich background in demolition derbies and a shared passion for asphalt racing with her husband, Tim. Leah's perspective on the Hartford Speedway is one of immense pride and dedication, as she and Tim constantly strive to enhance the racing experience for all attendees. Their commitment to the sport is evident in their continuous efforts to upgrade and improve the facility, even on a limited budget. They also offer free camping to further accommodate racegoers. Leah's favorite moments at the speedway include witnessing thrilling three-wide racing and the excitement of sprint cars with slide jobs, which she works diligently to prepare the track and facility for. Her perspective underscores her dedication to providing a high-quality racing experience at Hartford Speedway.

Stories from Women's Motorsports Network (WMN)Founder Melinda Russell reads the stories of women that have been featured in the WMN News online magazine.

Taylor Kuehl is a dedicated dirt modified racer with several years of experience in the sport, supported by sponsors such as Carl Customs, enterprises, AAA roofing, and Jake Henderson racing. Taylor's perspective on pursuing dirt modified racing dreams is rooted in her ultimate goal of transitioning into dirt late model racing. She believes that with hard work, networking, and possibly returning to asphalt racing for additional opportunities, this dream is achievable. Taylor emphasizes the importance of starting small and gradually working up in racing, advising parents of aspiring racers to immerse themselves in the racing community. She acknowledges that pursuing racing dreams requires hard work, sacrifices, and persistence, but she firmly believes it is worth it if it aligns with one's passion. Join Melinda Russell and Taylor Kuehl on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast to hear more about Taylor's journey in the racing world.

Megan Sanders and Rachel Carpenter are both successful women in the automotive industry and motorsports racing. Megan, a Michigan native with an automotive management degree, has honed her racing skills over the years and currently works at Stalantis. She believes in being a trailblazer in the industry and values the opportunity to inspire young girls. Rachel, who holds a business management degree and works for Brown Foreman, has made a name for herself in motorsports alongside her sister. She sees the increasing involvement of women in the industry as a positive development and emphasizes the importance of equal respect for all racers. Join Melinda Russell, Megan Sanders, and Rachel Carpenter on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast to hear more about their experiences and perspectives.

Melinda Russell was one of the Motorsports Podcasters who did a live interview at PRI in Indianapolis last week. She chose Katie Hettinger as her guest. The interview was broadcast throughout the show.Katie Hettinger, a third-generation driver from Michigan, has made a name for herself in the world of motorsports while simultaneously pursuing her education. From a young age, Katie has been deeply involved in racing, earning numerous awards and making history as a female driver. Her perspective on balancing education and a successful racing career is rooted in her desire to be remembered as a champion in the racing world, and she is determined to show that females can compete and succeed in motorsports. Despite facing challenges, Katie believes in the power of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Join Melinda Russell and Katie Hettinger on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast as they delve deeper into Katie's journey and her unique perspective on balancing education and a successful racing career.

Kyle Lockrow, a seasoned professional in the motorsports industry, and Tanya Banning, a key figure in the Women's Motorsports Network podcast, both have a shared mission of providing opportunities to underrepresented individuals in motorsports. Kyle's perspective on the topic of diversity and challenges in racing is deeply personal, as he sees racing as a means of escape and self-discovery, and he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the stories of lesser-known drivers. Tanya, on the other hand, uses her platform to feature women in motorsports, while also giving a voice to those who may not fit the traditional mold. She believes in the power of storytelling and the need to support and uplift individuals, particularly women and young girls, in the male-dominated field of racing. Join Melinda Russell, Kyle Lockrow, and Tanya Banning on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast as they delve deeper into these topics.

Arianna, the 31-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Garage Girls Jewelry, has a rich background in the automotive industry and is a fervent advocate for supporting women-led businesses in physically demanding industries. Her perspective on this topic is shaped by her personal experiences in the automotive world, where she noticed a lack of representation for women. This led her to establish Garage Girls Jewelry, a business that not only caters to women in the automotive field but also serves as a testament to the potential of women-led businesses in such industries. Arianna emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses, as they are often run by the entrepreneurs themselves and not part of a large corporation. She believes that supporting these businesses helps keep them alive and supports the dreams and teams of women. She also expresses her willingness to collaborate with other small businesses and content creators, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a sense of community and solidarity among women entrepreneurs. Join Melinda Russell and Arianna on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast to learn more about her journey and her advocacy for women-led businesses in physically demanding industries.

Emma Britt, a Georgia native with a deep-rooted passion for motorsports, has been immersed in the racing world from a young age, thanks to her father, a second-generation racer. Now in 11th grade, Emma attends an online school designed for racers and has been blessed with numerous opportunities in racing, thanks to her supportive family. Emma firmly believes that motorsports is a welcoming industry for women, filled with support and encouragement. Despite acknowledging the existence of some bullying, she maintains that the positive aspects of the sport far outweigh the negatives. Emma is a strong advocate for women supporting and uplifting each other, viewing this as a key factor in the success of women in motorsports. Join Melinda Russell and Emma Britt as they delve deeper into this topic on the next episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast.

Brad Smith, a seasoned figure in the world of motorsports with a career spanning over 30 years, and Jamie Wright, a passionate individual who has been involved in motorsports for over five years, have formed a valuable partnership in ARCA racing. Brad Smith's perspective on inclusivity, financial challenges, and passion in motorsports is supportive and inclusive, believing that gender does not determine one's ability to participate in motorsports and that success is a matter of practice and skill development. He acknowledges the financial challenges faced by budget teams but expresses his love for racing and the support from fans that keep them motivated. Jamie Wright shares a similar perspective, believing that gender should not be a determining factor in involvement in motorsports and that if someone has the desire and passion, they should go for it. Despite acknowledging the financial challenges faced by small teams, Jamie emphasizes the importance of the motorsports lifestyle and the dedication it requires. Join Melinda Russell, Brad Smith, and Jamie Wright on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast to delve deeper into their experiences and perspectives.

Becky Burton, a trailblazer in the male-dominated motorsports industry, has overcome numerous challenges on her journey to becoming the crew chief for Robertson Racing. Her passion for racing, ignited in 2018, has led her to establish her own team and business, specializing in trackside setup, analysis, and coaching. Despite facing exclusion and not fitting in, Becky's determination and work ethic, inspired by her grandpa, have propelled her forward. Becky's perspective on her journey and challenges in the industry is that while she has not been outright told that she doesn't belong, she recognizes the underlying biases and barriers that exist. She believes that the lack of invitation and inclusion for women in the industry has made it difficult for women to feel like they belong. However, she encourages other women to get involved in all aspects of motorsports, emphasizing the importance of trying new things and pushing past self-doubt. Becky also acknowledges the need for more exposure and publicity for women in motorsports, as well as the importance of women supporting each other in the industry. Join Melinda Russell and Becky Burton on this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast as they delve deeper into Becky's journey and her perspective on the industry.