The Few, The Proud, The RACERCHICKS

(As seen in the Fun Ford Weekend Tire Tracks Publication)

Walking through the pits, it has become increasingly more obvious that the level of female participation in an otherwise testosterone dominated sport is increasing.   Whether behind the wheel, or behind the scenes, the women of drag racing are making their mark and are showing that we're here to stay.  

Its hard to believe that less than 40 years ago, Shirley Muldowney fought the long battle to earn her NHRA license and the right to compete in a man's sport.  She overcame adversity and extremely deep rooted sexism to become one of the sport's legendary champions, and has paved the way for us ladies of today.  Looking through the pits, you see women involved in all aspects of the sport, christmas tree to finish line.  From providing support to our racing counterparts, to piloting 8 second cars of our own, we continue to stake our claim in the elite ranks of FFW drag racing.   There have been numerous female true street champions, many ladies have pioneered the bracket winner's circle, strong performances have been seen in the heads up ranks, and the Buckeye Nationals saw the first FFW ALL female final in the Focus Frenzy class, as Judy Stanton took the win over Brandey Burd.  Yes, ladies, we are a rare and elite breed: racers who appreciate the smell of VHT, competitors who's heart quickens with the sound of motors revving, individuals who live life a 1/4 mile at a time.   We are the few, the proud, the RACER CHICKS.  

Perhaps the most common question I've ever encountered comes from the less fortunate racer, who knows that one more car part may spell divorce (or worse) from his better end stuck at home.   They do not understand why their women detest their weekend hobby.   Fellas, if this is you, then listen up to the biggest grips that women have that prevent them from becoming active in racing:   As testosterone filled as the air is at the races, its very intimidating to attend any events for several reasons...

A.  Most women have a very little understanding of all things automotive.  We enter a world that is about as Greek to us as a make up bag is to most of you.  At your average track, the guy to girl ratio has us outnumbered by about 50:1.  You run up to your buddies, knock each other around for a little while, and then proceed to talk about all the horsepower you gained from your last cam swap.   Let's face it guys, its not like you try and involve us ladies.  In fact, most of the time you forget we're there.  Most girls get stuck all weekend twiddling their thumbs and reading a magazine, wishing they understood enough to take part.  Ask them why they don't?  Simple... would you crash a makeover party where all the girls are chatting about the latest fashion trends, the right color foundation, and how bad their cramps were last month?  I think not.

B.  Cat Calls- For whatever reason, racer men are HORRIBLE about this.  I swear, some of you act like you've never seen a girl before in your lives!  Hard to deny this point when 50% of all racing teams websites have a section devoted to "Girl Shots" they've taken at the races, and most pictures don't show the girl's face!  Or what about the endless supply of beads ready to earn their way onto as many ladies necks as possible?

C.  Sexism still exists-  In some small corners of society, there is still the wee-bitty man that believes a woman's place is in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant.  What's worse than this Neanderthal rationale?  They actually have the gaul to tell you this!  We've all heard the comments: "You know which one's the gas pedal there, sweet thang?"  Hmmm.  Why don't ya line up next to me and let's see if I can't figure it out.  For some reason, no matter how bad you prove them wrong, they never will accept it or believe you.

D.  Chest Pounding-  Ok, let me get this straight.  You work how hard, spend how much money, and make how much power...only to tell everyone that its just  a stock 302????  I know if I just spent my last month's earnings, I'd be showing that stuff off to everyone that would look at it.   And who are you trying to fool anyways?   Sure, honey... stock mustangs ALWAYS sound that loud, they ALL came with skinneys from the factory, and they ALL hide sneaky Petey's in the trunk.   Riiiiiight, and Godzilla is only an itsy-bitsy little lizard.

E.  Patience-  A lot of you gentlemen don't have the patience to help someone that is not as mechanically minded to understand.  So she wasn't born wielding a torque wrench, but then again men often can't even master lowering the toilet seat or replacing a toilet paper roll, and we're still have some patience left for you!  No matter how silly or stupid the question seems to you, or how many times you have to re-explain it, you had to learn at some point too...

F.  Variety-  Ok, so secretly she likes racing.  It can quickly become a hate relationship when you haven't taken her out in 6 months, you spend so much time under the car she doesn't recognize you, or when you have more loving nicknames for your CAR than you have for HER.  Racing is great, and its great to share in your passion.  But I think most women would draw the line at spending your honeymoon and every subsequent anniversary changing head gaskets between rounds.

G.  Perhaps the most important reason why women are not more active in drag racing:

We're already better than you at everything else, we don't want to taking racing away too!

Be safe and go fast ladies!