Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Fuel Her Future Podcast

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🎧 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 motorsports. Jillian shares how she got her start in quarter midgets, what it’s like racing alongside her twin brother, and how making the jump to outlaw karts has pushed her to grow as a driver and a person.

Jillian opens up about overcoming bullying, building confidence, and finding her place in the racing world. From lucky gloves to late-night drives back from the track, her story is a powerful reminder of the grit and support it takes to keep chasing the checkered flag.

Topics Covered:

• Jillian’s start in racing and her transition from quarter midgets to outlaw karts
• The role her family and sponsors play in her journey
• How racing has helped her develop confidence and resilience
• Favorite racing memories — including a wild win with a missing tire
• Her goals for the upcoming season and advice for other young racers

Follow Jillian Online:
📸 Instagram & Facebook: [JNL Racing]

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🚗💨 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 the Crown Vic Junior class, she inspires young women to chase their racing dreams. Follow her journey and cheer her on as she hits the track! 🏁💜 #WomenInMotorsports #JennaJohnson #RacingFamily

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🚗✨ 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 into the world of motorsports, her passion for speed, and the importance of community in racing.

💬 Highlights from the Episode:

• Abby's unconventional entry into motorsports and her love for cars from a young age.
• The thrill of racing and the supportive community that welcomed her.
• Insights into her racing journey, favorite cars, and upcoming goals in Nitro racing.
• The message that femininity is a strength in the male-dominated world of motorsports.

🌟 Abby reminds us that every woman’s story matters, and together we can drive change in the motorsports community!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow motorsport enthusiasts! Let’s celebrate the amazing women making waves in racing! 🏁💖

#WomensMotorsportsNetwork #AbbyKayMcDonald #WomenInRacing #DragRacing #Motorsports #Empowerment #Community #Inspiration

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🚗✨ 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 girl in Long Island to competing in some of the most challenging rallies around the world. Discover how her passion for motorsports ignited after a midlife crisis led her to an all-women's navigation rally in Morocco. 🏆💪

Highlights include:

• The legendary Rod Hall and his impact on Amy's racing career.
• Insights into the thrilling world of rally racing and what it takes to compete.
• The importance of empowering women in motorsports and breaking barriers.

Whether you're a racing enthusiast or just curious about the world of motorsports, Amy's story is sure to inspire! 🎉

🎧 Listen now on the Women's Motorsports Network podcast

Don't forget to like, share, and follow us for more amazing stories from women in racing! 💖 #WomenInMotorsports #RallyRacing #Inspiration #Empowerment

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🚗✨ 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 competing in the challenging Rebel Rally at the age of 50, Kristin shares her incredible experiences and insights on writing, community, and the power of following your passion.

🎙️ Tune in to hear her stories about connecting with industry leaders, embracing your unique voice, and the importance of supporting women in motorsports.

Let’s celebrate the amazing women shaping the motorsports world, one story at a time! 💪💖

#WomensMotorsportsNetwork #KristinShaw #WomenInMotorsports #AutomotiveJournalism #RebelRally #Inspiration #Podcast

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🌟 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 her inspiring journey from capturing thrilling moments at the track to empowering female racers. 📸✨

Misty shares her experiences, the importance of professional photography in preserving memories, and the growing community of women in racing. Whether you’re a fan, a racer, or just curious about the sport, this episode is for you!

👉 Tune in now and celebrate the incredible women shaping the world of motorsports! #WomensMotorsportsNetwork #MistyWagner #WomenInRacing #MotorsportsPhotography #Empowerment

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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 motorsports, her experiences in the NXG Youth Motorsports program, and her dreams of racing in the Indy 500.

Early Passion for Racing

Aubree’s interest in racing began in elementary school when she learned about the Indy 500. She told her parents she wanted to be a race car driver, and they encouraged her to explore her passion. At 14, she attended her first Indy 500, where she discovered the NXG program, a karting and motorsports academy focused on youth development.

NXG Motorsports Program

Aubree has been involved with NXG for four years, learning not just racing fundamentals but also valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and public speaking. She completed all five of their academy classes and competed in the Grand Prix team, where she raced for points alongside her peers.

Overcoming Challenges

Being a female and a minority in motorsports, Aubree faced skepticism and discouragement from others. However, she used negativity as motivation to push forward and prove doubters wrong. She emphasizes the importance of representation and hopes to inspire more girls to enter the sport.

Future Goals & Next Steps

Having aged out of the NXG Grand Prix team, Aubree is now looking to transition into formula cars and hopes to join the Skip Barber Racing School. She also plans to attend Purdue University Indianapolis for motorsports engineering while serving in the Navy ROTC program, ensuring she has a strong career foundation.

Scholarships & Recognition

Aubree was one of two recipients of a De La Peña Foundation Scholarship, which has provided her with additional support and mentorship in motorsports.

Final Message

Aubree encourages young women to never give up on their dreams, regardless of obstacles or discrimination. She advises using negativity as fuel to push forward and achieve success.

This episode highlights Aubree’s resilience, passion, and determination to make her mark in motorsports. Be sure to follow her journey on social media at Breezy Racing and stay connected with the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast for more inspiring stories. 🚗💨

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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 began with a deep-rooted love for mechanics instilled by her mother, an automotive technician. She started drag racing about 12 years ago, inspired after attending a National Hot Rod Diesel Association (NHRDA) event where she realized that everyday pickup trucks, like her own, could compete.

Robin races her black 2001 F-350 diesel truck, a vehicle she also uses for daily driving and farm work. She competes in bracket racing, traveling across the country while also participating in her local Bunker Hill Drag Strip's point series. Despite being in a male-dominated sport, she has found a welcoming and supportive community. She credits mentors like Sean Morgan and her local Ford dealership for their guidance in improving her racing skills and maintaining her truck.

Racing has also strengthened her relationship with her late father, who traveled with her to various competitions, sharing in the excitement of the sport. Robin encourages more women to get involved in motorsports, emphasizing that racing can start with the car you already own. Her advice to newcomers is to just try it, surround themselves with supportive people, and enjoy the experience.

The podcast concludes with a reminder that every woman in motorsports has a story worth celebrating, whether they are racers, crew members, or fans.

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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.
• Lives in a small country town with her husband, three adult children, seven grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
• Manages Gooses Autos, a family-owned mechanical business operating for over 30 years.
• Competes in Speedway and tarmac racing, holding five state titles and currently defending her Vic 1 title.

How She Started in Motorsports

• Early experiences driving as a child while sitting on her father's lap.
• Former competitive ballroom dancer with a background in state championships.
• Overcame a fear of dirt roads after surviving a fatal car accident in her early 20s.
• Joined bumper cars at Druin Speedway and later transitioned to Crash and Bash racing.

Challenges Women Face in Motorsports

• Lack of technical knowledge about cars.
• Limited female participation in track events like the Ultimate Street Car Challenge, where she was one of only three women among 82 competitors.
• Difficulty securing sponsorships beyond personal business funding.

Her Approach to Racing and Mindset

• Believes age and gender should never be barriers in motorsports.
• Attributes success to dedication, hard work, and a strong mindset.
• Uses visualization techniques, race coaching, and strategic preparation for races.
• Enjoys mentoring other women and encourages them to pursue racing despite obstacles.

Success and Legacy in Motorsports

• Views success as more than just winning races; it's about perseverance, confidence, and inspiring others.
• Wants to leave a legacy that proves racing is for all ages and that women can excel in male-dominated sports.
• Recently transitioned into tarmac racing, showing it's never too late to try something new.

Life Beyond Racing

• Enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.
• Uses social media to engage with fans and promote racing events through the Gooses Autos and Crash N Dash Drivers Association pages.
• Recently traveled Route 66 and attended the Illinois State Fair Speedway Race, admiring the patriotic culture in U.S. motorsports.

Final Advice to Women Interested in Racing

• Start now, no matter your age or experience level.
• Connect with local racing clubs and find mentors.
• Set small, achievable goals and work towards them.
• Keep racing fun and embrace challenges as part of the journey.

This episode highlights LeeAnne Young’s inspiring journey in motorsports, proving that passion, persistence, and a fearless mindset can break barriers for women in racing.

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In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes Audrey Gerberding, a young and passionate racer with a lifelong dedication to motorsports. Having first met Audrey as a young girl at PRI in 2018, Melinda reflects on how Audrey has grown into an accomplished racer and aspiring industry professional.

Now 19 years old, Audrey is pursuing a degree in automotive and high-performance technology at the University of Northwestern Ohio while balancing school, racing, and career ambitions. She shares her journey into racing, beginning with her early exposure to go-karts through her father’s involvement in motorsports. From quarter midgets to outlaw karts and eventually UMP Modified racing, Audrey has progressed through various divisions, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Throughout the conversation, Audrey highlights key milestones in her career, including making a lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), racing alongside legends like Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader, and her transition to working on her own race car. She reflects on the challenges of racing, dealing with setbacks, and the valuable life lessons she’s learned about perseverance and adaptability.

As she looks to the future, Audrey aspires to a career in motorsports, with dreams of becoming a crew chief or taking on a leadership role in a race team. She is actively seeking opportunities, including applying for a position as a student race director for a regional open-wheel series and pursuing involvement with her school’s race team.

Additionally, Audrey discusses her involvement with the Jessie Combs Foundation, where she received a scholarship supporting women in automotive and fabrication careers. She also emphasizes the importance of volunteering and networking to advance in the industry, sharing her experiences at PRI and the Women with Drive Summit.

The episode concludes with a discussion about social media’s role in motorsports and how Audrey is working on improving her digital presence to connect with fans and sponsors.

Final Thoughts:
Melinda celebrates Audrey’s passion, hard work, and determination, encouraging her to continue pursuing her goals in the motorsports world. Audrey’s journey serves as an inspiration for young women looking to break into the industry, proving that with dedication and persistence, anything is possible.

Tune in for more inspiring stories of women in motorsports in upcoming episodes of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast. 🚗💨

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