Episodes
Dell Hamilton – Building Business, Faith, and Opportunity Through NAS…
Send us a text In this heartfelt and revealing episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Dell Hamilton, a serial entrepreneur, former NASCAR team owner, and longtime supporter of women in racing. Dell shares how he used NASCAR not just for the thrill of the sport, but as a powerful tool to build last…
Racing, Rebranding & Rising Together – Hailey Unferdorfer’s Story
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Hailey Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Hailey shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to working behind the scenes with Lucas Oil, MA…
Racing in Purple: Paiten Burnham’s Journey from Quarter Midgets to Co…
Send us a text Episode Summary: Meet 16-year-old Paiten Burnham, the fearless driver behind the purple quarter midgets lighting up the USAC NASCAR Youth Series. In this episode, Paiten shares how her mom’s racing legacy, her ...
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Str…
Send us a text In this powerful episode, Melinda Russell sits down with trailblazer Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and a 25-year veteran of the motorsports industry. From her early days on a Wisconsi...
From Canada to Carolina: Jacqueline Rumley's Journey in Motorsports
Send us a text In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Jacqueline Rumley , a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, educator, and industry professional, to the show. Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up immersed in ...
Fueling Her Dreams: How Motorsports Gave Hannah Doll the Confidence t…
Send us a text In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell welcomes Hannah Doll , a motorsports management student at Belmont Abbey College who also works in social media and events for F...
From Business to Engines: High Performance Expo Brings It All to Char…
Send us a text In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell talks with Dana Teague , General Manager of the upcoming High Performance Expo (HPX) , set for June 3–5, 2025 in Charlotte, Nort...
Behind the Scenes of Motorsports Events: Marketing & Media with Elisa…
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell chats with Elisa Noelle , whose journey into motorsports didn’t follow the traditional path. From falling in love with a yellow Fox Body Mustang as a child to man...
Behind the Helmet: Lily McKnight on Family, Fear, and Finding Her Pla…
Send us a text In this episode, 15-year-old go-kart racer Lily McKnight shares her powerful journey into motorsports. From being trackside as a toddler to racing in junior and adult karting classes, Lily opens up about overco...
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Str…
Send us a text How NASCAR's First-Ever Street Race Transformed a City and Reimagined Fan Engagement In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes NASCAR executive Julie Giese to share her remarkable journey in motorspor...
Brittany Bennett: Bridging Passion and Performance in Michigan Racing
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell chats with Brittany Bennett, a passionate 15-year-old racer from Augusta, Michigan. Brittany shares her journey into motorsports, fueled by her father Nate Bennett's r...
Why This Woman Chose a Ford Edge for the Drag Strip—and Made It Fast
Send us a text In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Cierra Scott, a wife, mom, and fearless drag racer from Kentucky. What makes her story unique? She races a 2020 Ford Edge ST —yes, an SUV—on the drag strip. Cierr...
Young and Fearless: Claire DeBeaupre Talks Racing, Family, and F1 Dre…
Send us a text In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell chats with 9-year-old Claire DeBeaupre , a quarter midget racer from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Claire shares her racing jou...
Behind the Wheel with Michelle Lackey: Alaska’s Lady Track Boss
Send us a text In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell sits down with the incredible Michelle Lackey , the powerhouse behind Alaska Raceway Park —the only NASCAR and NHRA-sanctioned t...
Empowering Girls in Racing: Inside the Della Penna Foundation
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes back Michele Della Penna — founder of the Della Penna Foundation — to talk about her powerful mission to expose young girls to the world of motorsports. Miche...
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Strength Through Racing: Jillian Cole…
Send us a text 🎧 Host: Melinda Russell 🎤 Guest: Jillian Cole Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with 16-year-old outlaw kart racer Jillian Cole — a driven young woman from California with a growing passion for moto...
Jenna Johnson: A Trailblazer in the Crown Vic Junior Class
Send us a text 🚗💨 Meet Jenna Johnson! A passionate racer and devoted mom, Jenna's journey in motorsports is all about family, fun, and empowerment. From her childhood memories of riding on her dad's race car to competing in t...
Celebrating Femininity in Racing: Abby Kay McDonald’s Perspective
Send us a text 🚗✨ New Episode Alert! ✨🚗 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Abby Kay McDonald , a talented drag racer from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia! 🇦🇺 In this episode, Abby shares her incredible journey i...
Amy Lerner: Breaking Barriers in Off-Road Racing and Rally Sports
Send us a text 🚗✨ New Episode Alert! ✨🚗 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amy Lerner, a trailblazer in off-road racing and cross-country rally! 🌍🏁 In this episode, Amy shares her incredible journey from a car-loving ...
Kristin Shaw's Adventure in Off-Road Racing
Send us a text 🚗✨ New Podcast Episode Alert! ✨🚗 Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Kristin Shaw , an automotive journalist and trailblazer in the world of motorsports! 🌟 From her early love for classic cars to c...
Little Moments, Big Memories: Misty Wagner’s Photography in Racing
Send us a text 🌟 Join us on the latest episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast! 🚗💨 This week, we’re thrilled to feature Misty Wagner , a passionate racing photographer and advocate for women in motorsports. Hear he...
Breaking Stereotypes in Racing: Aubree Walker’s Incredible Journey
Send us a text In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell sits down with Aubree Walker , a 16-year-old aspiring race car driver from Anderson, Indiana. Aubree shares her journey into mot...
Why More Women Should Try Drag Racing – Insights from Robin Ridgway
Send us a text In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell interviews Robin Ridgway , an engineer and drag racer from Lafayette, Indiana. Robin shares her journey into motorsports, which ...
LeeAnne Young – A Trailblazer in Speedway Racing
Send us a text LeeAnne Young – A Trailblazer in Speedway Racing Host: Melinda Russell Guest: LeeAnne Young About LeeAnne Young A veteran racer from Victoria, Australia, with over 30 years of experience in Speedway racing. Liv...