Episodes

Send us a text Meet Yvonnda Hutchins, a Women in Wheels Champion who turned personal tragedy into a passion for drag racing. After losing her daughter, Yvonnda found healing and purpose at the track, proving that women belong in motorsports—and they can win big! 🏆 🔹 2023 & 2024 Women in Wheels Champion 🔹 Expert in Bracket Racing Strategy & Precision 🔹 Travels nationwide for Streetcar Takeover events 🔹 Racing to honor her daughter, carrying her memory in every pass ❤️ 💡 Her advice? "Believe in ...

Send us a text At just 14 years old, Brystal Ahlman is making big moves in the racing world! Starting in Cage Karts at 8, she’s now stepping up to Hobby Stock racing at Beatrice Speedway, ready to take on a new challenge. 💪 Racing isn’t just a sport for Brystal—it’s a passion, a family tradition, and a way of life. From working in the garage with her dad to competing against racers of all ages, she’s proving that hard work, resilience, and determination pay off. 🔥 Follow her journey as she race...

Send us a text 🚗💨 Meet April Alfaro—a passionate road racer who’s breaking barriers in the world of motorsports! From growing up in the garage with her dad to racing alongside her fiancé, April’s journey is a true testament to perseverance, love, and the thrill of speed. 🏁 She’s not just racing on the track, but also inspiring other women to get behind the wheel. Learn how she overcame personal challenges, lost 130 pounds to fit into a race car, and is now chasing her dreams at legendary tracks...

Send us a text In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Betty Nelson, a veteran racer and the founder of the Ladies Acceleration Tour (LAT). Betty shares her incredible journey from racing in the early 2000s to creating a dedicated racing series for women, providing them with a competitive yet supportive environment to thrive. With the decline of all-female racing divisions in Maine, Betty saw an opportunity to revive and grow women’s motorsports. She talks about the challenges of launchi...

Send us a text Summary of the Transcript: This episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast features the Westfall family, a multi-generational racing family with two young racers, Sadie and Macee. Host Melinda Russell explores their journey in motorsports, from triumphs to challenges. The family’s story: Mom Sarah married into a racing family, and Sadie and Macee represent the fourth generation of racers. While both girls started in mini wedges, their journeys have taken different directi...

Send us a text Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Featuring Cheyenne Fantuzzo This episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast spotlights Cheyenne Fantuzzo, a passionate and inspiring racer from Brookshire, Texas, who shares her journey of determination, perseverance, and love for motorsports. Key Highlights: Introduction to Motorsports: Cheyenne began racing at the age of 10, inspired by her father, a former drag racer and go-kart enthusiast. Overcoming her initial shyness, she fell ...

Send us a text The Challenges of Professional Drift Racing: Balancing finances, training, and competing at the highest levels. In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with the incredible Zandara Kennedy—professional stunt performer, Formula Drift competitor, and advocate for women in motorsports. Zandara shares her unique journey from circus training and stunt driving to becoming the only Canadian woman to earn a Formula Drift license. She disc...

Send us a text Lara Wilde is a passionate advocate for women in motorsports, holding influential positions such as deputy president of the Australian Women's Motoring Network and treasurer of Spring Mount Raceway, where she champions inclusivity and support for women in the industry. She firmly believes that motorsport should be a gender-neutral arena, where women and men compete equally based on passion, commitment, and financial investment rather than arbitrary categories like "best chicks." H...

Send us a text Alexis Scott, a trailblazer in women’s motorsports from Northeast Ohio, has carved her niche in the TT ATV racing scene over the past 15 years, becoming a fierce competitor in the East Extreme dirt track series. As a 26-year-old racer, she skillfully pilots her customized vehicle across tracks nationwide while balancing her career as a traveling X-ray technologist. Alexis is vocal about the unique challenges women face in motorsports, emphasizing the need to work harder to earn re...

Send us a text Mercedes Lillenthal, a German American motorsports journalist based in Oregon, has become a prominent voice advocating for women in the traditionally male-dominated field of motorsports. Having transitioned from a successful career in interior design and fine art, Lillenthal brings a unique perspective to the industry, focusing on both its challenges and opportunities for women. She acknowledges the strides women have made, with more female journalists and professionals emerging, ...

Send us a text Brenda Gill's journey in racing began in her high school auto shop, and after a brief hiatus, reignited through her grandson Joshua Gerald's interest in the sport, leading to over three decades of deep family involvement. Brenda champions the significant role that family plays in racing, emphasizing how it fosters personal growth, resilience, and essential life skills for young athletes, as seen in Joshua's development following the loss of his father. Her active participation as ...

Send us a text Jazmine Reames Roberts, a dedicated racer since the tender age of five, has been a prominent figure at New Paris Speedway in Indiana since 2019. Growing up in a racing-enthusiastic family, Jazmine faced the rigors of sibling competition, particularly intense when racing against her father and brother in the same class. She recounts how her father's deft maneuvering once bested her on the track, while her brother's unyielding focus on winning adds an extra layer of rivalry. Despite...

Send us a text Taylor Sexton is a dynamic force in the realm of women in motorsports, known for her competitive spirit at tracks like Kalamazoo Speedway and her dedication to fostering young talent through mini wedge programs. With a firm belief in overcoming gender biases, she advocates for female racers to stand their ground against aggressive tactics and to be recognized simply as race car drivers. Her involvement in Sexton Motorsports, alongside Alex, not only propels her family's racing leg...

Send us a text Carol Glenn, hailing from Buckinghamshire, England, is a fervent advocate for women in motorsports, tirelessly working to dismantle gender-based barriers in the industry. Having carved a successful career path from a race marshal to a championship coordinator, Carol believes that women should not be intimidated by male dominance in motorsports and encourages them to seek knowledge and opportunities in various capacities beyond just driving. Through her vibrant presence on Instagra...

Send us a text Ashton Elliott, a high school sophomore from North Carolina, is making waves in the drag racing world with his burgeoning motorsports career. His journey began in 2019, fueled by a visit to a local drag strip with his father, which ignited his dreams of advancing to top fuel or Pro stock racing in the NHRA by his mid-20s. Deeply committed to his craft, Ashton immerses himself in automotive classes and seeks guidance from professional drivers, while also balancing his academic resp...

Send us a text Ashlyn Wittmer, an ambitious 8-year-old racer, and her brother Jax Wittmer, a talented quarter midget racing enthusiast, are making waves in the racing world with their impressive achievements and determination. Ashlyn cherishes her first racing victory in Phoenixville as her favorite memory, showcasing her focus on securing championships and her competitive nature. Meanwhile, Jax emphasizes the importance of consistency in racing, drawing inspiration from NASCAR legends like Kyle...

Send us a text Alexis Whitaker is a pioneering force in women’s motorsports, having delved into the competitive world of drag racing since the age of 10 and now competing in prestigious events worldwide. At 23, she balances her racing career with her academic pursuits in the doctor of occupational therapy program at ETSU, embodying dedication and resilience. Whitaker is a staunch advocate for women in motorsports, believing that racing provides a safe and controlled outlet for passion, and she e...

Send us a text Sarah Bouchard, known as "Speed Demon Sarah," is making waves in the world of motorsports as a young and determined go-kart racer at Arthur Raceway in Reese, Michigan. At just 14 years old, she is already challenging the norms of a traditionally male-dominated sport, inspired by her family's deep-rooted connection to racing. Despite facing occasional on-track challenges from her male counterparts, Sarah remains unwavering in her love for the sport and encourages other girls to joi...

Send us a text Merisa Hendricks, a vibrant figure in the realm of women in motorsports, hails from Central Pennsylvania and began her journey on ATVs at the age of three. As she transitioned to racing in her twenties, Merisa became an advocate for the importance of networking, sportsmanship, and professionalism, values she believes are crucial for success beyond just driving skills. Her perspective highlights that companies in the industry appreciate competitors who conduct themselves responsibl...

Send us a text Kimarie Johnson, originally from Great Falls, Montana and now residing in the Pacific Northwest, is a fervent advocate for women in motorsports, driven by her own upbringing centered around self-sufficiency and adventure. Through her active role with the Raptor Junkies, she fosters a supportive community that champions women's aspirations in this challenging industry, connecting with individuals across the nation. Johnson believes that women should not hesitate to chase their drea...

Send us a text Support the show

Send us a text Christy Kendall, a seasoned motorsport enthusiast with over five decades of karting experience, embarked on her racing journey at the age of six in South Florida, inspired by her father's aspirations. She is a staunch advocate for women in motorsports, passionately encouraging young girls to explore various roles within the industry that extend beyond driving, such as team management and technical positions. Through her platform "Drive Your Line," Christy shares valuable insights,...

Send us a text Michelle Kish, a passionate advocate for women in motorsports from northern New Jersey, believes that the landscape for women in this field has evolved significantly, transitioning from novelty to normalcy. Drawing from her experiences and humorous anecdotes from her early days, she appreciates how women are increasingly accepted and celebrated in the sport. Kish emphasizes the importance of continuing to drive change and celebrate milestones, acknowledging every woman's story in ...

Send us a text Kelli Lotts, a dedicated motocross racer from Macedonia, Ohio, has been passionately involved in the sport for over two decades, racing alongside her husband and inspiring her stepdaughters. Her commitment to the motocross community is rooted in the supportive camaraderie among riders, where she appreciates the encouragement she receives, especially as a woman in the sport. Kelli acknowledges the significant advancements in bikes and safety equipment, recognizing how these improve...