Episodes

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast , host Melinda Russell welcomes professional race car driver and mechanical engineer Sabre Cook. Based in Indianapolis, Sabre currently competes in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and shares her fascinating journey from childhood karting to international racing success. Support the show FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/womensmotorsportsnetworki/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwor...

Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell interviews MaKenna Long, a young woman who grew up in the racing world and is now building her career in motorsports. MaKenna started racing quarter midgets at seven and a half years old at Little Kalamazoo Speedway in Michigan, thanks to her grandfather’s curiosity about a new track being built nearby. What started as a family hobby quickly became a family passion, with her parents, sister, and grandparents heavily involved in every...

Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Haily Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Haily shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to working behind the scenes with Lucas Oil, MAVTV, and now Racer Network, where she plays a key role in marketing and rebranding efforts. Her love for storytelling and connecting people shines through as she talks about working events, building s...

Send us a text In this episode, host Melinda Russell interviews 8-year-old junior dragster racer Karter Platt, who shares her early start and growing passion for motorsports. Karter, from Texas, began racing at just 4 years old after attending the Amarillo Dragway with her Gigi and Papa. Racing quickly became a family affair, with her mom, Gigi, and Papa supporting her at every event. Karter races a lime green, purple, and pink half-scale Junior Dragster in the 11.90 class, running primarily ...

Send us a text A Lifestyle Post - Things I want My Kids To Know 1. Happiness is a lot of work. You can’t be lazy or entitled to achieve it. 2. You will make mistakes, and they will only define you if you give it that kind of power. If the lesson is learned, the mistake is worth it. It’s your choice whether or not it wins. You are not a prisoner to your past and you are allowed to grow. 3. The world owes you...

Send us a text Granfluencers — Redefining Influence at Any Age Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re diving into a powerful and inspiring trend that's flipping the script on social media marketing — Granfluencers. So, who are Granfluencers? Granfluencers are social media stars typically aged 60 and above, who have built massive, loyal followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their content spans everything from fashion and fitness to humor and life advice — all delivered with authen...

Send us a text How do you handle setbacks at the racetrack? Support the show

Send us a text In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with 22-year-old Carolyn Fitzgerald, a rising star in the Formula 4 West Coast Pro Series. Carolyn shares her unique path into motorsports, beginning with indoor karting and quickly progressing through racing school, licensing, and now competing at California’s most iconic road courses. Off the track, she holds a culinary degree and works in a restaurant to support her racing dreams. Carolyn opens up about challenges, mental preparatio...

Send us a text On this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Mara Henderson—a third-generation racer, UNOH alum, and current admissions representative for the University of Northwestern Ohio. From her childhood days racing modified go-karts in Michigan to her work today helping students break into motorsports careers, Mara shares her journey of grit, horsepower, and heart. Mara talks about growing up in a multi-generational racing family, her ...

Send us a text Wendy Dickson – A Life Fueled by Racing In this heartfelt episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with longtime Arizona racing fan, former driver, and shop helper Wendy Dickson (Harrington). Wendy shares her deep roots in motorsports, starting from childhood weekends at Tucson Raceway to helping build racecars, managing a race team, and even working on hook trucks at major events like the Duel in the Desert and Bristol Dirt Nationals. Wend...

Send us a text Calendar Full? Phone full of text messages to return? A list of "Things to Do" as long as your arm? Listen to this episode--- The Art of Slowing Down. Support the show

Send us a text A message for busy moms! Support the show

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 lasting business relationships, honor the military, and support ethical and talented female drivers. From humble beginnings watching race traffic from his church parking lot in Charlotte, NC, Dell walks...

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 dad’s deployment, and her own fierce determination shaped her path in motorsports. From winning at Charlotte to mentoring younger drivers, Paiten opens up about racing as a girl in a male-dominated sport, what it’s like traveling to national races, and why family is at the h...

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 Wisconsin dairy farm to her leadership roles at Daytona, Phoenix, and now Chicago, Julie shares how she turned bold ideas into history-making events. She opens up about the massive effort it took to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to downtown Chicago—from working with the city, navig...

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 dirt track racing in Ontario, Canada, to building a successful career in motorsports in North Carolina. Influenced by her parents' deep involvement in racing, Jacqueline developed a love for the sport at an early age, eventually choosing it over her initial interest in veter...

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 Fulton , Brewerton , and Weedsport Speedways in New York. Originally from Red Creek, New York , Hannah shares her journey from growing up in a racing family—where both her grandfather and father raced—to discovering her own passion for motorsports by racing "box cars" and ope...

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, North Carolina . Dana shares how her 30 years of trade show experience led her to the motorsports world and what makes HPX a standout event. The expo will feature two days of B2B programming and a third day open to enthusiasts , including educational sessions, product showcases,...

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 managing branding and major events for top-tier companies and shows like Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings , Elisa proves that passion, hustle, and professionalism can take you anywhere—even without a college degree or family ties to racing. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Elisa’s early l...

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 overcoming fear, finding confidence, and strengthening her bond with her dad through racing. She offers raw insights into what it’s like being one of the few girls at the track—and why she’s passionate about inspiring more girls to race. 🔑 Topics Covered How Lily got started in go...

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 motorsports and her role in leading the groundbreaking Chicago Street Race. Julie reflects on her 25-year NASCAR career, which started on a Wisconsin dairy farm and led her to leadership roles at iconic tracks like Watkins Glen, Daytona, and Phoenix Raceway. Julie dives deep into the...

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 racing legacy. From her initial challenges in finding the right race car due to her height to earning accolades such as Rookie of the Year and the Dare to be Different award, Brittany’s story is one of determination and growth. Discover how Brittany balances racing front-whee...

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. Cierra talks about her journey into motorsports, how her late grandfather inspired her, and how she balances racing with being a full-time working mom. From signing up for her first race behind her husband’s back to building a one-of-a-kind platform in the racing world, Cierra’s ...

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 journey, love for speed, and what it’s like being the only girl in her school who races. Full of energy, humor, and heart, Claire talks about everything from her favorite food to flipping a car and calling it “just like a roller coaster.” From her pink helmet to her fearless at...