Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Fuel Her Future Podcast

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Racing isn't just a weekend hobby for 17-year-old Dominique Champlin—it's a family legacy that's "wedged its way into her life routine." From the moment she climbed into an alcohol-powered go-kart at age six, motorsports has been her driving passion, leading to her first championship at just seven years old.

What makes Dominique's story remarkable goes beyond her three championships or her current late model racing career. It's her unwavering commitment despite a schedule that would exhaust most adults. She rises at 4:30 AM for a 10-hour workday at a livestock farm, then heads straight to prepare her race car before making the hour drive to Mid-Michigan Raceway Park in Fenwick. When asked how she manages this punishing schedule, her answer is refreshingly honest: "I'm not too sure how I do it, but I do."

The young racer's journey reflects the heart of grassroots motorsports—family support, financial challenges, and the pure joy of competition. Her #87 late model showcases the colors of IBEW, a union that provides her with a rare 10-year sponsorship contract. This financial backing came with an emotional moment when she and her grandfather "had to go out and cry a little bit" after receiving their first check.

While her mother might prefer she sell all the race cars and take up dancing, Dominique finds purpose in inspiring younger girls at the track. She races alongside her 14-year-old brother in what she describes as a "Talladega Nights" dynamic, complete with "shake and bake" moments on the dirt track. Despite blown engines, wrecks, and a currently bent frame, she sits fourth in points—proof of her skill and determination.

Subscribe to hear more stories like Dominique's, where passion meets perseverance and where every woman's racing journey deserves celebration. Whether you're a driver, crew member, or fan, Women's Motorsports Network connects our community one story at a time.

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Tatiana Calderón takes us on a high-speed journey through her remarkable racing career that spans continents, championships, and countless barriers broken. The Colombian driver opens up about discovering her passion at just nine years old, when a five-minute ticket at a rental go-kart track sparked a lifelong love affair with speed and adrenaline.

What unfolds is a story of extraordinary determination as Tatiana left her homeland at 17 to chase her Formula 1 dreams, first in the United States and later in Europe. Perhaps most touching is how motorsport transformed her relationship with her sister – seven years her senior – from distant siblings to inseparable partners, with her sister eventually becoming her manager and traveling companion through the racing world.

Tatiana's racing credentials are impressive – competing in Formula 3 alongside future F1 champions like Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, testing in Formula 1, racing in Japan's Super Formula, making IndyCar appearances, tackling the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, and currently piloting a Ford Mustang in IMSA's GTD category. But beyond the race results lies a more profound narrative about identity and belonging in motorsport.

"I think, as a woman, we are so different and it's beautiful to be different," Tatiana reflects, revealing how she initially tried to change her nature to fit into the male-dominated environment before realizing that embracing differences is the path forward. This evolution in thinking represents the heart of her advocacy for women in racing – creating environments where women can compete equally without changing who they are.

Whether you're a dedicated racing fan or simply appreciate stories of perseverance and passion, Tatiana's journey offers inspiration and perspective on what it takes to succeed against the odds. Follow her current racing season in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship and connect with her on Instagram @tatacalde7, where she personally responds to messages from aspiring racers seeking guidance.

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From a two-year-old denied a plastic toy car to racing alongside Travis Pastrana in Saudi Arabia, Gray Leadbetter's journey through motorsports defies all expectations. With no family racing background whatsoever, Gray carved her own path through sheer determination and a natural talent that was evident from the moment she first climbed onto a four-wheeler.

Gray's story is remarkable not just for her racing accomplishments—which include winning a championship in her first year of truck racing—but for how she's navigated the unique challenges of growing up at racetracks rather than in classrooms. When traditional schooling became impossible due to her intense travel schedule, she enrolled in On Track School, completing her education online while crisscrossing the country for competitions. By age 12, she was flying solo to training sessions in Arizona, displaying a maturity and independence that continues to define her approach to racing.

Now competing in Pro Light trucks in the Champ Off Road series, Gray brings a refreshingly levelheaded perspective to a high-pressure sport. Rather than overthinking before races, she deliberately keeps her mind clear until moments before the green flag. "If you're not having fun," she says, "why do it?" This philosophy has served her well through the inevitable highs and lows of racing, from championship victories to mechanical failures and crashes.

Perhaps most inspiring is Gray's role as a trailblazer for young women in motorsports. While she doesn't dwell on gender barriers—"Once you put a helmet on, you're a driver, it doesn't matter who you are"—she acknowledges the special connection she shares with the girls who visit her pit area. They see in her what's possible when passion meets opportunity, regardless of background or tradition.

What's next for this rising star? While she's focused on her current truck racing season, Gray dreams of someday racing a Porsche 911 GT3 at the Daytona 24 Hours. Based on everything she's accomplished before her 21st birthday, it would be unwise to bet against her making that dream come true. Subscribe now to follow Gray's incredible journey through the world of motorsports!

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Racing isn't just what Tyler Roering does—it's who he is. From his earliest memories of causing ruckus in his dad's race shop to becoming a multi-discipline champion, Tyler's life revolves entirely around motorsports. As a third-generation racer from Plymouth, Indiana, his racing lineage stretches back to the 1960s, creating a family tradition that continues to shape his identity and career.

What separates Tyler from many competitors is his comprehensive approach to racing. His father instilled a crucial lesson early: if you want to race, you need to understand every aspect of the machine beneath you. This hands-on philosophy has become Tyler's cornerstone, leading him to believe firmly that "races are won in the shop, not on the track." His technical expertise extends beyond his own racing program through Rocket Fabrication and Suspension, where he's built a reputation as an elite shock specialist serving racers nationwide.

Tyler's versatility as a driver is extraordinary. At 34, he actively campaigns three different race vehicles: a non-wing sprint car, an outlaw late model he's raced since age 17, and a USAC Silver Crown car. His recent success includes multiple wins in the Reveal the Hammer Series at Berlin Raceway, where he's developed a special affinity for the challenging Michigan track. Behind these achievements stands a dedicated crew consisting entirely of friends who support his racing purely out of passion—no paychecks, just shared love for the sport.

Perhaps most inspiring is Tyler's resilience. After a devastating 2014 accident at Anderson Speedway left him with multiple broken bones and confined to a wheelchair for months, many would have reconsidered their racing career. Instead, Tyler returned to that very track and won two Little 500 events, creating what he calls a "full-circle" moment in his journey. Now, his sights are set on conquering Winchester Speedway, the intimidating high-banked oval that remains his most coveted bucket-list victory.

Whether you're a die-hard racing enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of dedication and perseverance, Tyler's journey demonstrates the true spirit of American short-track racing. Follow his continued pursuit of excellence as he balances the demanding roles of driver, builder, and business owner in his quest for racing glory.

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Behind every racing series lies a story of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of building something meaningful. Drew Jack's 12-year journey with the National Compact Touring Series reveals exactly that—a tale that began in the grandstands of Kalamazoo Speedway where his father would drop him off as a "cheap babysitter" and has evolved into creating opportunities for racers who might otherwise never experience iconic venues.

What started with "a chip on my shoulder" after another touring series canceled an event has blossomed into an organization that's made motorsports history. The NCTS holds the distinction of being the first touring series to race at Garrett and Cleetus McFarland's Freedom Factory during its rebirth and the first on track during North Wilkesboro's revitalization—an achievement that puts this grassroots series in the NASCAR history books.

Drew pulls back the curtain on the challenges of building a touring series, from weathering lean years to handling criticism, and even reveals he nearly sold the series entirely before a pivotal phone call changed everything. He shares candid stories about working a demanding corporate job while building NCTS, sometimes fielding crisis calls during air shows when he wasn't even at the track.

Perhaps most compelling is how the series has used its platform to give back, hosting Down Syndrome awareness events, mental health initiatives, and creating opportunities for children and families who might never otherwise experience live racing. "We use national compacts in our lease events to give back to the community," Drew explains, emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the competition.

Breaking news drops mid-conversation as Drew announces the debut of the NCTS Figure 8 Series at Galesburg Speedway on August 24th and the return of the touring series to the track after a long absence. He outlines their ambitious summer schedule, including events at Berlin Raceway, M40 Speedway, and their World Series of Compacts at Owosso Speedway in September.

Want to experience affordable, competitive racing that's attracted NASCAR talents like Haley Deegan, Ryan Preece, and Ben Rhodes? Check out an NCTS event this summer and discover why these "crap boxes" (as Drew playfully disputes) deliver some of the most entertaining racing in the Midwest.

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When Tony Eldridge decided to wave colored shirts on hangers in his front yard as a child, pretending to be a flagman, he never imagined it would lead to a 20-year career in motorsports that would touch countless lives. His journey from those humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected figures in Midwest short track racing reveals both the magic and challenges of grass-roots motorsports.

In this candid conversation with Melinda Russell, Tony shares the full arc of his racing story—from his early days attending races as a newborn at Santa Fe Speedway to his own brief racing career that included championship wins, before finding his true calling as a flagman and announcer. The pivotal moment came in 2005 when Keith Hankins offered him a flagging position, launching two decades of Saturday nights dedicated to the sport he loves.

Throughout our discussion, Tony pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities facing short track racing today. "We're losing the old-timers, and there's no fan base," he explains, detailing how even packed pit areas with 100+ race cars can't sustain a track when only 300 fans are in the grandstands. He offers fascinating insights into the economics of track operation—from the $30,000 needed just to open the gates for a single night to how weather and competing entertainment options have dramatically affected attendance.

Perhaps most poignantly, Tony reveals why after 20 seasons without missing a single Saturday, he's stepping away from full-time track involvement. "When it's no longer fun, I just don't want to do it," he shares, explaining his determination not to let burnout ruin his love for racing. Yet his story isn't about abandonment but evolution—finding new ways to contribute through announcing at Hartford Speedway and with the MCR Dwarf cars while finally making time for family and personal health.

Whether you're a die-hard race fan or simply appreciate stories of passion and perseverance, Tony's reflections offer valuable perspective on finding balance between dedication to a calling and the need for personal sustainability. Join us for this heartfelt conversation that celebrates the racing community while honestly confronting the challenges that threaten its future.

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The roar of engines returns with "Let's Talk Racing Wise," where host Melinda Russell reignites her passion project dedicated to shining a spotlight on overlooked local racetracks across Michigan and Indiana. This premiere episode arrives just in time for the Fourth of July racing festivities that promise excitement, fireworks, and fierce competition at every venue.

Racing communities face a troubling reality – many local residents don't even realize there's a racetrack in their own backyard. Hartford Speedway, Michigan's only dirt track in our coverage area, gears up for July 3rd fireworks, while Little Kalamazoo Speedway nurtures tomorrow's stars in quarter midget racing. Russell's M40 Speedway recently hosted a thrilling $10,000 Outlaw Late Model event won by Tyler Roahrig, while Plymouth Motor Speedway prepares for a huge $5,000-to-win Street Stock showdown this weekend.

The highlight of this debut episode is an inspiring conversation with 14-year-old racing phenom Bryce Bozell, who recently shattered Kalamazoo Speedway's track record and earned a championship at just 13. As a third-generation racer competing alongside both his father and grandfather, Bryce represents the enduring legacy of racing families in the Midwest. His remarkable journey from quarter midgets to late models at age nine offers a glimpse into racing's bright future.

Whether you're a longtime racing fan or curious newcomer, join us weekly as we celebrate the heart and soul of grassroots motorsports. Follow local point battles, discover upcoming special events, and meet the personalities who make regional racing so special. Take a neighbor to the track this weekend – these venues need our support, and the racing excitement awaits!

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Deep in northern Michigan, where entertainment options are limited and community bonds run strong, Caitlin Bernard carries forward an extraordinary motorsports legacy. As the fourth generation of women in her family to race at Whittemore Speedway, she follows in the tire tracks of her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother who all competed at the same local track.

Growing up on a farm and riding four-wheelers by age five, Bernard's journey to racing feels almost predestined. Yet surprisingly, she discovered her family's racing heritage only after she began competing herself. "I am the fourth female generation driver on my mom's side at Whittemore Speedway," she reveals, a lineage tracing back to when the track was still dirt and women competed in "Powder Puff" divisions.

What makes Bernard's story particularly compelling is her grassroots approach to motorsports. Racing a converted 2003 Buick Regal that was once her daily driver, she exemplifies how racing can be accessible without breaking the bank. "When we put the car together I probably put a grand into it," she explains, noting she's now competing in the top 10 with a completely stock motor.

Beyond the competition, Bernard's experience highlights the tight-knit community that defines small-town racing. In her front-wheel drive class, which regularly fields 15-20 cars per night, competitors maintain a family-like atmosphere despite the on-track rivalries. "We might bicker back and forth once in a while, we have rivals once in a while," she says, "but at the end of the day it's like we're one family."

When not at the track, Bernard embodies a quintessential Michigan lifestyle – studying to become a registered medical assistant while tending to her homestead with ducks, geese, and dogs. Her story reminds us that motorsports isn't just about professional aspirations, but about community connections, family traditions, and the pure joy of competition. Ready to discover your own motorsports journey? There's a place for you at the track, no matter your background or budget.

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Gina Culliver shares her journey as the "Nissan Queen" of Whittemore Speedway, starting her racing career at 43 after losing her father and best friend to cancer. Now at 51, she balances her nursing career with her passion for motorsports, community service, and creating a welcoming family atmosphere at Michigan's oldest continuously operated speedway.

• Growing up as a "track kid" watching her father race super late models
• Starting racing at 43 after her father's passing and encouragement from a dying friend
• Creating community by cooking weekly meals for 50+ fellow racers
• Becoming the oldest woman to win a feature race at Whittemore Speedway
• Racing with her father's number 84 and signature blue color scheme
• Dealing with autoimmune disease while continuing to race competitively
• Organizing memorial races with accessible sponsorship options for local businesses
• Promoting youth involvement through mini wedge racing programs
• Finding balance through yoga and maintaining a positive racing mindset
• Displaying her "You just got passed by a grandma" sticker with pride

Visit Whittemore Speedway to see Gina race in her #84 blue and white Nissan Altima, and stay after the races to enjoy her famous Saturday night meals where racers come together as family.

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The heart and soul of local racing lies in its family legacies, and few families embody this spirit more than the Van Averys. In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Jesse Van Avery Sr. and his son Jesse Jr. open up about their multi-generational racing journey at Galesburg Speedway and beyond.

Jesse Sr. shares how he practically grew up at the track, watching his father race before eventually sliding behind the wheel himself in the mid-90s. Now competing in Street Stocks after years in Late Models, he's currently leading the points championship – a first in his decades-long career. Meanwhile, Jesse Jr. recounts his introduction to racing at 15 when a local racer let him hot lap a front-wheel drive, sparking a passion that has now spanned nearly a decade across multiple racing classes.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as they discuss the recent loss of Adam Van Avery – Jesse's brother and Little Jesse's uncle – a talented driver beloved throughout the Michigan racing community. With gentle humor, they share how Adam was nicknamed "Jeff Gordon" at their race shop because he'd simply "show up on Saturday, put on a helmet, and drive the wheels off the car" while everyone else handled the wrenching. In tribute, all the Van Avery cars now sport purple paint schemes and the number 2, creating a unified "Purple Deuce" team identity.

This weekend features the Adam Van Avery Memorial Race at Galesburg Speedway, offering $2,222 to win plus a mystery position $1,000 bonus from Snyder's Lawn Care. Coinciding with the track's autograph night and backpack giveaway, the event promises to celebrate Adam's memory with the racing community that has embraced the Van Averys as family.

Join us trackside this Saturday as we honor a racing legacy while creating new memories in the sport that binds generations together. The Van Avery story reminds us that in racing, the trophies may collect dust, but the family bonds forged in the pits and on the track last forever.

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