Send us a text

Kennedy Swan shares her journey from go-kart racing at age 5 to becoming the only female driver in her modified dirt track division as she builds her racing career while balancing college, work, and maintaining her self-discipline.

• Started in motorsports at age 5 when her father chose to invest his sponsor money in her go-kart instead of his own racing 
• Races dirt track modified cars as the only female among 300 competitors in her sanction
• Made history as the youngest driver and only female to win the Punky Manor championship in its 41-year history
• Does all her own mechanical work on her race car, handling everything from routine maintenance to major repairs
• Named a 2023 Hoosier Hero, selected as one of 12 racers from 2,000 participants across the United States
• Known for her signature French braids, which have become part of her racing identity
• Balances racing with college studies in business management and work to fund her racing career
• Matured faster than peers due to the discipline, dedication, and responsibilities required by motorsports
• Weathering a challenging season with mechanical issues but maintaining a positive outlook
• Passionate about inspiring more girls to enter motorsports and prove they can succeed in male-dominated fields

Follow Kennedy's racing journey on Facebook at 18S Racing, where you can watch live streams of her races, see her results, and find information about her racing merchandise.

Support the show

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/womensmotorsportsnetworkandpodcast

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/womensmotorsportsnetwork/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/

TIKTOK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindarussell/

X: https://x.com/IWMANation

FACEBOOK Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.ann.russell