Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Fuel Her Future Podcast

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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 veterinary science.

Jacqueline recounts her bold move at age 19 to North Carolina to pursue her dreams, enrolling in the Motorsports Management Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College—the same program where she now teaches. She discusses the program’s unique combination of business and technical coursework, the affordable options it offers (especially for North Carolina residents), and how she helps students find their path into the racing industry. Mentorship and connecting students with real-world opportunities are a major focus of her teaching philosophy.

Jacqueline also talks about her personal life, including her marriage to Kevin Rumley, a well-respected dirt racing engineer. Together, they balance work and life around the racing schedule, often traveling to major dirt late model events such as The Dream at Eldora and the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury, which she describes as highlights of their summer.

The episode also touches on the power and pitfalls of social media in racing, advice for managing negative feedback professionally, and Jacqueline’s exciting new project — collaborating with Lionel Racing to develop a high-quality dirt late model die-cast model.

The conversation is filled with heartfelt moments about the importance of community, mentorship, resilience, and the many career opportunities that exist in motorsports beyond driving. Jacqueline’s story showcases how passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in racing.

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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 open-wheel Mike rods. Although she stepped away from driving at 17 to pursue her education, Hannah stayed deeply involved in racing through track operations and communications.

Hannah talks about balancing college, internships, and racetrack work, highlighting the opportunities her motorsports education has provided, including attending major events like the Rolex 24 and Women With Drive conferences. She emphasizes the importance of building strong industry connections early, using platforms like LinkedIn, and encourages young women to persist in motorsports despite challenges and stereotypes.

Hannah also shares her dreams of working in marketing or PR for organizations like the Super DIRTcar Series or World Racing Group, while aiming to stay close to her family in New York. She offers advice to women entering motorsports: stay determined, stay connected, and don't be afraid to start conversations and build relationships.

The episode wraps up with a conversation about creative ideas to promote local tracks, such as hosting Women in Racing nights and providing easier fan access to driver hero cards, showcasing Hannah's vision and passion for growing grassroots racing.

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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, an engine building competition, and a recruiting hub for students and job seekers.

Dana also highlights the Women’s Empowerment Summit on June 2, designed to inspire leadership and connection among women in and outside the motorsports industry. With the support of organizations like NCMA and Hendrick Motorsports, HPX is poised to become a groundbreaking annual event.

Listeners will gain insight into the planning, purpose, and power of this first-of-its-kind expo built to serve and unite the motorsports community.

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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 love of cars and how a Mustang ad sparked a lifelong passion
• Her start in street racing and learning graphic design in her dad’s sign shop
• Launching and managing a massive Mustang-focused online forum
• Building a career in motorsports marketing without a college degree
• Coordinating major live events for Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings
• Balancing motherhood with a demanding career on the road
• Her involvement in relaunching the PINKS and Pastime TV series
• Advice for young women: finding your niche, building relationships, and staying classy on social media

🛠️ Elisa’s Advice for Aspiring Women in Motorsports:

• Passion over pedigree: You don’t need a degree if you have the drive.
• Get out there: Go to PRI, meet people, and make real connections.
• Start where you are: Promote the brands you already use and love.
• Think long-term: Sponsorships and career doors open through relationships.
• Keep it classy: How you present yourself—especially online—matters.

📍 Notable Quotes:

“You don’t have to be a driver to have a career in motorsports—you just have to find your lane.”
“I’m 90% self-taught. If I can do it, anyone can.”
“Passion and talent win every time.”

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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-kart racing
• The unique bond she shares with her father through motorsports
• Challenges of being a female racer in a male-dominated environment
• Her favorite racing memories and biggest wins
• Advice for girls who want to start racing
• The importance of confidence, support systems, and learning from experience
• Her dreams of racing long into the future

💬 Notable Quotes

“If you're a female who wants to start racing, be confident and show up. Don’t question it—just do it.”
 “That racetrack is where I feel closest to my dad. It’s our connection.”
 “When you’re the only girl on the track, you have to learn to stand your ground.”

📍 Mentioned Tracks & Series

• Palmyra Kart Track – Adrian, Michigan
• Plymouth Motor Speedway
• Angola Motor Speedway
• Ben-Hur Speedway
• Midwest Karting Series
• Red Bull Kart Track
• State Line Speedway (former home track)

📱 Connect with Lily McKnight

Lily is active on Facebook and Instagram – just search her name: Lily McKnight.
(She admits she's not a big social media poster... yet!)

📣 Connect with Us

Women’s Motorsports Network
🌐 Website: [Insert website URL]
📲 Instagram & Facebook: @womensmotorsportsnetwork
🎧 Subscribe & leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts!

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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-wheel-drive DOT cars and competing in equestrian show jumping—proving her dedication to all forms of horsepower. Hear about the special bond with her father, how their relationship evolved through racing, and how Brittany's support network, including local sponsors and close friends, has played a crucial role in her journey.

Follow Brittany Bennett’s racing and equestrian adventures on TikTok and Instagram (@Brittany1B).

Key highlights:

· Brittany’s journey from crew helper to racer

· Overcoming early setbacks and car challenges

· Award-winning achievements at Galesburg Speedway

· Importance of family support in motorsports

· Dual passions: racing cars and show jumping

· Goals for continued growth and victories

· Encouraging young women in motorsports

Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, determination, and horsepower!

Connect with Brittany:

· TikTok & Instagram: @Brittany1B

Stay connected with Women's Motorsports Network:

· Facebook & Instagram: Women's Motorsports Network

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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 story is full of courage, resilience, and turbocharged determination.

🏁 In This Episode, You'll Hear About:

• How Cierra’s racing journey began with her grandfather and LS Fest
• The story behind her unique race car: a twin-turbo Ford Edge ST
• What it’s like to balance racing, motherhood, and two jobs
• Overcoming stereotypes and ADHD in motorsports
• The importance of women’s racing communities like Women and Wheels
• Cierra’s racing goals—including a dream to race at Texas 2K
• Her experiences with sponsors like HP Tuners, Thermal R&D, and CV Fab
• Advice for women wanting to enter motorsports and ignore the haters

🔧 Featured Sponsors & Partners Mentioned:

• HP Tuners
• Thermal R&D Exhaust
• CV Fab
• ZFG Racing
• Women and Wheels

📲 Follow Cierra Scott:

• Instagram: @ajustSTgirl
• TikTok: @ajustSTgirl

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"If you’re not making it, you won’t have haters." – Cierra Scott

✅ Subscribe & Connect:

Don’t miss future episodes!
 🎧 Subscribe to the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.
 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content:
 @womensmotorsportsnetwork

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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 attitude, Claire is already proving that girls can lead the pack in motorsports—one lap at a time.

🏁 Topics Covered:

• How Claire got started in racing at age 4
• Her journey through rookie and junior classes
• What it’s like being a girl in a male-dominated sport
• Making friends at the track and overcoming challenges
• Her love for animals (especially her two one-eyed cats!)
• Her big dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver
• The importance of family support and fun sponsors
• Advice for other girls who want to try racing

🏎️ Racing Team:

Rose Racing
Follow Claire on Instagram: @roseracing_pa
Facebook: Rose Racing

🤝 Sponsors Mentioned:

• VCL Orthodontist Specialists
• Frosty Fall Ice Cream
• Chaos Piercing
• CJM Industries
• Frances Renovations
• Studio 1213
• Chef Tripper Catering
• Roxbury Auto Services
• Sourdough and Sweets
• CM Designing

💬 Memorable Quote:

“My favorite thing about racing is proving the boys wrong.” – Claire DeBeaupre

📲 Stay Connected:

Follow the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast on Facebook and Instagram for more inspiring stories of women and girls in motorsports.

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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 track in Alaska.

Michelle shares her journey from growing up at the drag strip to becoming a seasoned racer, motorsports entrepreneur, and one-woman show running a track nestled in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. From snowmachines and Super Comp racing to building an entire racing facility (literally), Michelle proves that women can do it all in motorsports.

We dive into:

• Her personal racing history and championships
• Managing and growing Alaska Raceway Park
• Unique events like Speed Fest, Thunder Valley Flag Drags, and Alaska Speed Week
• Supporting women and youth in racing
• The challenges and triumphs of running a racetrack in Alaska
• Her vision for the future of motorsports in the Last Frontier

Whether you're a driver, fan, or industry pro—this episode will leave you inspired by what one determined woman can do when she puts the pedal to the metal.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Alaska Raceway Park: RaceAK.com
• Follow Michelle: @AlaskaRaceway (Instagram & Facebook)
• Michelle’s Website: LadyTrackBoss.com
• Women in Motorsports NA: womeninmotorsportsna.com
• Melinda Russell: womensmotorsportsnetwork.com

📣 Connect with Us:

• Instagram & Facebook: @WomensMotorsportsNetwork
• Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your shows
• Leave a review if this episode inspired you!

📢 Quote of the Episode:

"If it’s got a motor, I’m in." – Michelle Lackey

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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. Michele shares how her upbringing in a racing family led her to launch a nonprofit that offers hands-on opportunities in racing, engineering, marketing, and more.

From karting scholarships and immersive track weekends to one-of-a-kind fellowships with top teams and engineers, Michele is helping girls see that there’s a place for them in motorsports — not just behind the wheel, but throughout the industry.

🔧 What You’ll Hear About:

• Michele’s personal journey in racing and what inspired the foundation
• Track events at Sonoma Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• The Indy Inspire Weekend and what makes it a life-changing experience
• Fellowships with GM, Sonoma, and Indy-based organizations
• Partnerships with Rod Reid and NXG Racing
• Success stories of young women like Alexandra Peachy and Aubrey Walker
• Why representation, opportunity, and community support matter more than ever

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🌐 Website: dellapennafoundation.org
• 📱 Instagram & Twitter: @DPFoundation
• 🎓 NXG Racing: nxgracing.com
• 🎟️ Applications for 2025 events: Available now on the foundation website

❤️ Support the Cause

This work is only possible through donations and partnerships. If you’d like to contribute, volunteer, or host a program in your area, visit the website or contact the team directly.

📣 Join the Movement

Subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help spread the word about the incredible work being done to diversify and grow the motorsports world — one girl at a time.

#WomenInMotorsports #GirlsWhoRace #DellaPennaFoundation #MotorsportsMentorship #RacingFuture

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