Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Fuel Her Future Podcast

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Laura Ely, a dedicated racing enthusiast, shared her journey into motorsports, which began later in life. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up with a father who owned a Buick dealership and being a fan of the Unsers, she always had an interest in cars. However, it wasn’t until she was introduced to track days by a colleague that she realized she could participate in racing herself.

With a background in business, including running a successful software company, Laura was able to invest in her passion. She started with high-performance driving events and quickly transitioned into club racing. Currently, she competes in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, racing in the Masters class.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Laura finds motorsports to be a strong social and community-driven activity. She has built a small team, sharing a garage and resources with other drivers to make racing more financially sustainable. She also actively supports women in racing, mentoring and coaching new drivers, and participating in outreach events to inspire young women to enter the sport.

One of Laura’s proudest moments was standing on the podium at the Miami F1 race in 2023 after finishing third in her races, experiencing the full professional racing treatment. She acknowledges that motorsports can be costly, and while she hopes to continue racing, she is also aware of the financial considerations that may lead her to transition into other roles in the sport.

Laura emphasizes that racing is a viable sport for women, as the car doesn’t recognize gender. With increasing female participation, she hopes to see continued growth in opportunities for women in motorsports. She remains engaged in the community, whether actively competing, mentoring, or simply supporting fellow racers.

She encourages anyone interested in racing to start with high-performance driving events, which provide structured coaching and a safe way to experience track driving. Laura is active on social media under Black Sheep Racing Team, where she continues to share her racing journey and inspire others.

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In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast, host Melinda Russell interviews 17-year-old Chloe Kuroski, a go-kart racer from Memphis High School. Chloe shares her journey into motorsports, which began with riding four-wheelers, go-karts, and snowmobiles before officially starting to race in 2021. Inspired by her uncle, Dave, she quickly excelled, earning six wins in 2024 and moving up to the adult class, where she competes with experienced racers, including her uncle and the track owner.

Chloe discusses the challenges of transitioning to a faster go-kart, dealing with mechanical issues, and racing against seasoned drivers. She highlights the supportive atmosphere at Arthur Raceway, where she feels part of a close-knit racing family. She also shares her approach to securing sponsorships, balancing racing with school, and the emotions she experiences on and off the track.

Throughout the conversation, Chloe reflects on how racing has helped her gain confidence, mature, and overcome challenges. She also talks about her race day routine, how she analyzes race footage to improve, and her aspirations in the sport. The episode wraps up with Melinda encouraging Chloe to share updates on social media to increase her exposure and continue inspiring others in motorsports.

This episode celebrates Chloe’s achievements and underscores the importance of perseverance, community, and passion in racing.

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In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Eva Gregory, a trailblazer in the motorsports industry. Eva shares her journey from a college student working as a cashier at Atlanta Motorsports Park to becoming the Director of Operations at Road Atlanta by her early twenties, and her current role managing marketing partnerships at Hagerty. Throughout the conversation, Eva discusses the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated field, how mentorship and curiosity fueled her growth, and the importance of representation for women in motorsports.

Eva highlights Hagerty's commitment to supporting women in the industry, including their partnership with Shift Up Now and sponsorship of racer Sabre Cook. The discussion also explores how visibility and community can inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts, with Eva encouraging women to recognize the vast opportunities available beyond driving. The episode concludes with Eva’s insights on the importance of adaptability, determination, and the power of asking questions to navigate and excel in the motorsports world.

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In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell interviews Audree Blankenship, a driven 15-year-old racer from LaGrange, Indiana. Audree, a sophomore at Lakeland Junior Senior High School, shares how her family’s racing legacy sparked her passion. Inspired by her grandfather and father, she began her journey in karting and now competes in the Sport Compact and Outlaw Front Wheel Drive divisions.

Audree opens up about the challenges of earning respect as a young female driver and the importance of consistency on the track. Despite her age, she’s proven her talent with a top-10 finish at the Michigan Cup, racing against seasoned drivers. Building her new race car alongside her dad has been a valuable bonding experience and a chance to learn the mechanics of her vehicle.

While NASCAR is a dream, Audree remains grounded with a focus on becoming a respected local driver. She takes pride in inspiring young fans, especially girls, proving that with confidence and hard work, anything is possible. As she prepares for the upcoming season, traveling with the National Compact Touring Series is on her radar, and she’s excited about new tracks and experiences.

Audree's story is one of family support, determination, and breaking barriers in motorsports. Her journey encourages young racers to set realistic goals, believe in themselves, and never let doubt hold them back.

👉 Stay connected: Follow her journey on Facebook at Audree Blankenship Racing.

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In this week’s Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast Blog, we spotlight Kelly Goldthread, president of the Women's Dirt Bike Racing Association (WDBRA). Kelly shares her inspiring journey from growing up at motorcycle tracks to founding the first all-women’s competition club sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in the U.S. Driven by her passion for racing and community, Kelly established the WDBRA to connect female racers, foster leadership, and make dirt bike racing more accessible for women of all skill levels.

The blog highlights Kelly’s efforts to provide mentorship, create inclusive race classes, and encourage women to take on leadership roles in District 36 of Northern California. With her team, she has helped boost female participation in the sport while promoting confidence and teamwork among riders. Kelly also discusses her future goals of working full-time with the AMA and continuing to advocate for women in motorsports.

The post encourages women nationwide to get involved in racing, attend upcoming events like the Trailblazer GP on September 28, and reach out to WDBRA for guidance on starting local clubs. Kelly’s story is a testament to perseverance, community, and creating opportunities for women in dirt bike racing.

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In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Hannah Coltrane Hamrick, a passionate motorsports promoter from Virginia. Hannah shares her personal journey from being a racing enthusiast to becoming the promotions director at Capital City Speedway. Her story is rooted in love, community, and a deep-seated passion for racing, inspired by her late husband, Jimmy Hamrick, a beloved local racer.

🏎️ Key Highlights:

✅ Early Love for Motorsports: Hannah’s fascination with cars began at age five, inspired by her mother’s love for classic Corvettes.
✅ Racing with Jimmy: Meeting her husband in 2012 led to weekends at the track and hands-on racing experiences.
✅ Stepping into Promotions: After organizing successful memorial races for Jimmy, Hannah was appointed promotions director at Capital City Speedway in October 2023.
✅ Creative Promotions on a Budget: Hannah’s focus is on community-driven promotions, leveraging local events, social media, and partnerships with youth organizations.
✅ Community Connection: The racing community remains Hannah’s second family, helping her stay connected to her husband’s memory.

🏁 Upcoming Events at Capital City Speedway:

📅 March 8: 2025 Season Opener
📅 March 15: Spring Gobbler – One of the track’s largest annual events
📅 VDKA Races: Two major events hosted during the season
📅 November: Turkey Trot – A fan-favorite end-of-season race

💡 Promotions Strategies Discussed:

✔️ Track displays at regional races to attract new spectators
 ✔️ Radio promotions and free ticket giveaways to increase attendance
 ✔️ Youth engagement through partnerships with local schools and organizations
 ✔️ Arrive-and-drive programs to introduce newcomers to racing
 ✔️ Emphasis on email marketing and social media consistency

🗣️ Hannah’s Why:

“It’s about honoring Jimmy and staying close to the racing family we built. This is more than just a job—it’s a tribute.”

🚀 Final Thoughts:

Hannah’s unwavering commitment to both her community and motorsports shines through every promotional effort. Her goal? To see Capital City Speedway thriving with packed stands and racers of all ages. This episode is a reminder of how motorsports is more than just racing—it’s about people, passion, and perseverance.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast for more inspiring stories like Hannah’s!
🌐 Follow Capital City Speedway on Facebook | Instagram
🏆 Together, we’re celebrating every woman’s journey in motorsports—one story at a time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!

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Revving Through Life: The Inspiring Journey of Stacie Rivers in Motorsports

Recorded 19Feb2025

In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Stacie Rivers, a passionate racer and business owner from Texas, to explore her journey in the world of motorsports. Stacie shares how her unexpected introduction to racing through car audio competitions sparked a deep love for drag racing. Despite early challenges, including limited resources and a lack of support, her perseverance led her to become a prominent figure in the racing community.

The turning point in Stacie's journey came when she met her husband, Jesse, a talented car builder. Together, they transformed a hobby into a lifestyle, participating in high-profile events such as SEMA and Holley LS Fest. Their involvement in burnouts and drifting has gained national recognition, with Stacie recently expanding her skills to include competitive drifting.

Beyond racing, Stacie and Jesse manage a successful restoration business specializing in Trans Ams and Camaros. Their partnership extends beyond the track, blending personal and professional passions to build a motorsports legacy. Family, teamwork, and a shared love for cars are at the core of their endeavors.

Throughout the conversation, Stacie emphasizes the importance of resilience, community, and empowering women in motorsports. Her story showcases the power of pursuing passions, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring others to break barriers.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Stacie’s racing journey began unexpectedly through car audio competitions.
 ✅ Persevered through a decade of racing challenges before re-entering the sport with renewed support.
 ✅ Shares a strong partnership with her husband, blending racing and business.
 ✅ Active participant in national events, burnouts, and drifting competitions.
 ✅ Advocates for women in motorsports, emphasizing community and empowerment.

Listen to the Full Episode:

🎧 Available on the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast – Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Stacie Rivers, where passion meets horsepower and dreams hit the track.

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🎙️ Women's Motorsports Network Podcast – Episode Summary

In this episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with 15-year-old racing sensation Payton Geitzenauer. Payton shares her inspiring journey from discovering her love for motorsports at age 7 to funding her first race car through hard work and determination.

🚦 Payton discusses her experiences racing quarter midgets, partnering with Ashcraft Motorsports, and her dreams of competing in sprint cars. She highlights the challenges of catching up with more experienced racers, the importance of family and sponsor support, and the friendships she's built in the motorsports community.

🏁 Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with heartfelt stories, racing insights, and Payton’s aspirations for the future. Don’t miss this celebration of young talent in motorsports!

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms!

#WomensMotorsports #PodcastSummary #PaytonGeitzenauer #GirlsInRacing #MotorsportsJourney

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🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️🏁

Join us on the latest Women's Motorsports Network Podcast as we chat with Kayla Martin, the youngest driver to win in the Indiana Race Saver 305 Sprint Car Series! 🏎️✨

Kayla shares her journey from starting in quarter midgets at age 5 to making waves in the 305 Sprint Car scene. Hear about her favorite racing memories, her passion for speed, and how she balances school, sports, and life at the track.

🔧 From working on her own car to inspiring young girls in motorsports, Kayla is a true trailblazer. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

🎧 Listen now:
 📱 Follow Kayla at Kayla Martin Racing on Facebook & Instagram!
🔗 Stay connected with us @WomensMotorsportsNetwork for more stories of incredible women in motorsports!

#WomensMotorsportsNetwork #KaylaMartin #Motorsports #SprintCars #WomenInRacing #RacingPodcast

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🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎧🏁
Join us on the latest episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast as we chat with Gabby Carroll – Purdue University engineering student, motorsports enthusiast, and former NXG kart racer turned crew member! 🏎️🔧

Gabby shares her journey from go-kart racing during COVID to becoming a key part of the NXG crew, her love for the Indy 500, and her dreams of biomedical engineering on a pre-med track. 🏁✨

Hear how motorsports shaped her life, the importance of family support, and why more young girls should dive into racing! 👩‍🔧🔥

🎙️ Tune in now and get inspired!

#WomensMotorsportsNetwork #GabbyCarroll #Motorsports #WomenInRacing #Indy500 #NXGRacing #Engineering #STEM #Podcast

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