Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. My first episode was in 2018 and I continue to add new episodes each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to me at iwmanation@gmail.comMelinda Russell
Granfluences - Redefining Influence at Any Age
Send us a text
Granfluencers â Redefining Influence at Any Age
Welcome back to the show!
Today, weâre diving into a powerful and inspiring trend that's flipping the script on social media marketing â Granfluencers.
So, who are Granfluencers?
Granfluencers are social media stars typically aged 60 and above, who have built massive, loyal followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their content spans everything from fashion and fitness to humor and life advice â all delivered with authenticity, experience, and a zest for life that challenges every outdated stereotype about aging.
Wha...
Bouncing Back: How to Handle Setbacks Like A Champion
Send us a text
How do you handle setbacks at the racetrack?
Support the show
From the Kitchen to the Cockpit: Carolyn Fitzgeraldâs Formula 4 Journey
Send us a text
In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with 22-year-old Carolyn Fitzgerald, a rising star in the Formula 4 West Coast Pro Series. Carolyn shares her unique path into motorsports, beginning with indoor karting and quickly progressing through racing school, licensing, and now competing at Californiaâs most iconic road courses. Off the track, she holds a culinary degree and works in a restaurant to support her racing dreams. Carolyn opens up about challenges, mental preparation, her superstitions, and her hopes to eventually get paid to raceâor build her own karting team. Itâs an ins...
Mara Henderson â A Legacy of Speed and Student Success
Send us a text
On this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Mara Hendersonâa third-generation racer, UNOH alum, and current admissions representative for the University of Northwestern Ohio. From her childhood days racing modified go-karts in Michigan to her work today helping students break into motorsports careers, Mara shares her journey of grit, horsepower, and heart.
Mara talks about growing up in a multi-generational racing family, her deep-rooted passion for motorsports, and her transition into higher education where she now helps guide the next wave of gearheads an...
Wendy Dickson - A Life Fueled by Racing
Send us a text
Wendy Dickson â A Life Fueled by Racing
In this heartfelt episode of the Womenâs Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with longtime Arizona racing fan, former driver, and shop helper Wendy Dickson (Harrington). Wendy shares her deep roots in motorsports, starting from childhood weekends at Tucson Raceway to helping build racecars, managing a race team, and even working on hook trucks at major events like the Duel in the Desert and Bristol Dirt Nationals.
Wendy talks about introducing her husband to the sport (heâs now a...
The Art of Slowing Down
Send us a text
Calendar Full?
Phone full of text messages to return?
A list of "Things to Do" as long as your arm?
Listen to this episode--- The Art of Slowing Down.
Support the show
May Days & Mom Wins
Send us a text
A message for busy moms!
Support the show
Dell Hamilton â Building Business, Faith, and Opportunity Through NASCAR
Send us a text
In this heartfelt and revealing episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Dell Hamilton, a serial entrepreneur, former NASCAR team owner, and longtime supporter of women in racing. Dell shares how he used NASCAR not just for the thrill of the sport, but as a powerful tool to build lasting business relationships, honor the military, and support ethical and talented female drivers.
From humble beginnings watching race traffic from his church parking lot in Charlotte, NC, Dell walks us through his journey into NASCARâfrom a curious pit pass guest to...
Racing, Rebranding & Rising Together â Hailey Unferdorferâs Story
Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Hailey Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Hailey shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to working behind the scenes with Lucas Oil, MAVTV, and now Racer Network, where she plays a key role in marketing and rebranding efforts. Her love for storytelling and connecting people shines through as she talks about working events, building sponsor relationships, and helping elevate womenâs roles in the industry.
Hailey also discusses he...
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Street Race
Send us a text
How NASCAR's First-Ever Street Race Transformed a City and Reimagined Fan Engagement
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes NASCAR executive Julie Giese to share her remarkable journey in motorsports and her role in leading the groundbreaking Chicago Street Race. Julie reflects on her 25-year NASCAR career, which started on a Wisconsin dairy farm and led her to leadership roles at iconic tracks like Watkins Glen, Daytona, and Phoenix Raceway.
Julie dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of bringing a street race to downtown Chicagoâa fi...
Racing in Purple: Paiten Burnhamâs Journey from Quarter Midgets to Confidence
Send us a text
Episode Summary:
Meet 16-year-old Paiten Burnham, the fearless driver behind the purple quarter midgets lighting up the USAC NASCAR Youth Series. In this episode, Paiten shares how her momâs racing legacy, her dadâs deployment, and her own fierce determination shaped her path in motorsports. From winning at Charlotte to mentoring younger drivers, Paiten opens up about racing as a girl in a male-dominated sport, what itâs like traveling to national races, and why family is at the heart of her success. Tune in for a fun, heartfelt conver...
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Street Race
Send us a text
In this powerful episode, Melinda Russell sits down with trailblazer Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and a 25-year veteran of the motorsports industry. From her early days on a Wisconsin dairy farm to her leadership roles at Daytona, Phoenix, and now Chicago, Julie shares how she turned bold ideas into history-making events.
She opens up about the massive effort it took to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to downtown Chicagoâfrom working with the city, navigating a torrential rainstorm, and overcoming skepticism, to turning it into on...
From Canada to Carolina: Jacqueline Rumley's Journey in Motorsports
Send us a text
In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Jacqueline Rumley, a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, educator, and industry professional, to the show. Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up immersed in dirt track racing in Ontario, Canada, to building a successful career in motorsports in North Carolina. Influenced by her parents' deep involvement in racing, Jacqueline developed a love for the sport at an early age, eventually choosing it over her initial interest in veterinary science.
Jacqueline recounts her bold move at age 19 to North Carolina to pursue her...
Fueling Her Dreams: How Motorsports Gave Hannah Doll the Confidence to Soar
Send us a text
In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes Hannah Doll, a motorsports management student at Belmont Abbey College who also works in social media and events for Fulton, Brewerton, and Weedsport Speedways in New York.
Originally from Red Creek, New York, Hannah shares her journey from growing up in a racing familyâwhere both her grandfather and father racedâto discovering her own passion for motorsports by racing "box cars" and open-wheel Mike...
Behind the Scenes of Motorsports Events: Marketing & Media with Elisa Noelle
Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell chats with Elisa Noelle, whose journey into motorsports didnât follow the traditional path. From falling in love with a yellow Fox Body Mustang as a child to managing branding and major events for top-tier companies and shows like Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings, Elisa proves that passion, hustle, and professionalism can take you anywhereâeven without a college degree or family ties to racing.
đ Key Topics Covered:
Elisaâs early love of cars and how a Mustang ad sparke...From Business to Engines: High Performance Expo Brings It All to Charlotte
Send us a text
In this episode of the Womenâs Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell talks with Dana Teague, General Manager of the upcoming High Performance Expo (HPX), set for June 3â5, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dana shares how her 30 years of trade show experience led her to the motorsports world and what makes HPX a standout event.
The expo will feature two days of B2B programming and a third day open to enthusiasts, including educational sessions, product showcases, an engi...
Elisa Noelle: The Woman Behind the Scenes of Street Outlaws & No Prep Kings
Send us a text
Drag Racing, Branding, and Bold Moves: Elisa Noelleâs Career in Motorsports
Elisa Noelle â Motorsports marketing expert, event coordinator, content creator, and passionate drag racing enthusiast.
In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell chats with Elisa Noelle, whose journey into motorsports didnât follow the traditional path. From falling in love with a yellow Fox Body Mustang as a child to managing branding and major events for top-tier companies and shows like Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings, Elisa proves that passio...
Behind the Helmet: Lily McKnight on Family, Fear, and Finding Her Place in Racing
Send us a text
In this episode, 15-year-old go-kart racer Lily McKnight shares her powerful journey into motorsports. From being trackside as a toddler to racing in junior and adult karting classes, Lily opens up about overcoming fear, finding confidence, and strengthening her bond with her dad through racing. She offers raw insights into what itâs like being one of the few girls at the trackâand why sheâs passionate about inspiring more girls to race.
đ Topics Covered
How Lily got started in go-kart racingThe unique bo...Brittany Bennett: Bridging Passion and Performance in Michigan Racing
Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell chats with Brittany Bennett, a passionate 15-year-old racer from Augusta, Michigan. Brittany shares her journey into motorsports, fueled by her father Nate Bennett's racing legacy. From her initial challenges in finding the right race car due to her height to earning accolades such as Rookie of the Year and the Dare to be Different award, Brittanyâs story is one of determination and growth.
Discover how Brittany balances racing front-wheel-drive DOT cars and competing in equestrian show jumpingâproving her dedication to all forms of hors...
Why This Woman Chose a Ford Edge for the Drag Stripâand Made It Fast
Send us a text
In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Cierra Scott, a wife, mom, and fearless drag racer from Kentucky. What makes her story unique? She races a 2020 Ford Edge STâyes, an SUVâon the drag strip. Cierra talks about her journey into motorsports, how her late grandfather inspired her, and how she balances racing with being a full-time working mom.
From signing up for her first race behind her husbandâs back to building a one-of-a-kind platform in the racing world, Cierraâs story is full of courage, resilien...
Young and Fearless: Claire DeBeaupre Talks Racing, Family, and F1 Dreams
Send us a text
In this episode of the Womenâs Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with 9-year-old Claire DeBeaupre, a quarter midget racer from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Claire shares her racing journey, love for speed, and what itâs like being the only girl in her school who races. Full of energy, humor, and heart, Claire talks about everything from her favorite food to flipping a car and calling it âjust like a roller coaster.â
From her pink helmet to her fearless attitude, Claire is already proving that girls can lead...
Behind the Wheel with Michelle Lackey: Alaskaâs Lady Track Boss
Send us a text
In this episode of the Womenâs Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with the incredible Michelle Lackey, the powerhouse behind Alaska Raceway Parkâthe only NASCAR and NHRA-sanctioned track in Alaska.
Michelle shares her journey from growing up at the drag strip to becoming a seasoned racer, motorsports entrepreneur, and one-woman show running a track nestled in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. From snowmachines and Super Comp racing to building an entire racing facility (literally), Michelle proves that women can do it a...
Empowering Girls in Racing: Inside the Della Penna Foundation
Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes back Michele Della Penna â founder of the Della Penna Foundation â to talk about her powerful mission to expose young girls to the world of motorsports. Michele shares how her upbringing in a racing family led her to launch a nonprofit that offers hands-on opportunities in racing, engineering, marketing, and more.
From karting scholarships and immersive track weekends to one-of-a-kind fellowships with top teams and engineers, Michele is helping girls see that thereâs a place for them in motorsports â not just behind the wheel, but thro...
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Strength Through Racing: Jillian Coleâs Story
Send us a text
đ§ Host: Melinda Russell
đ¤ Guest: Jillian Cole
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with 16-year-old outlaw kart racer Jillian Cole â a driven young woman from California with a growing passion for motorsports. Jillian shares how she got her start in quarter midgets, what itâs 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...
Jenna Johnson: A Trailblazer in the Crown Vic Junior Class
Send us a text
đđ¨ 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! đđ #WomenInMotorsports #JennaJohnson #RacingFamily
Support the show
Celebrating Femininity in Racing: Abby Kay McDonaldâs Perspective
Send us a text
đ⨠New Episode Alert! â¨đ
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Abby Kay McDonald, a talented drag racer from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia! đŚđş In this episode, Abby shares her incredible journey into the world of motorsports, her passion for speed, and the importance of community in racing.
đŹ 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...Amy Lerner: Breaking Barriers in Off-Road Racing and Rally Sports
Send us a text
đ⨠New Episode Alert! â¨đ
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amy Lerner, a trailblazer in off-road racing and cross-country rally! đđ
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. đđŞ
Highlights include:
The legendary Rod Hall and his impact on Amy's racing career.Insights into the thrilling world of rally racing...Kristin Shaw's Adventure in Off-Road Racing
Send us a text
đ⨠New Podcast Episode Alert! â¨đ
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Kristin Shaw, an automotive journalist and trailblazer in the world of motorsports! đ
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.
đď¸ Tune in to hear her stories about connecting with industry leaders, embracing your unique voice, and the importance of supporting women in motorspor...
Little Moments, Big Memories: Misty Wagnerâs Photography in Racing
Send us a text
đ Join us on the latest episode of the Womenâs Motorsports Network Podcast! đđ¨
This week, weâre 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. đ¸â¨
Misty shares her experiences, the importance of professional photography in preserving memories, and the growing community of women in racing. Whether youâre a fan, a racer, or just curious about the sport, this episode is for you!
đ Tune in now a...
Breaking Stereotypes in Racing: Aubree Walkerâs Incredible Journey
Send us a text
In this episode of the Womenâs 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
Aubreeâs interest in racing began in elementary school when she learned about the Indy 500. She told her parents she wanted to be a...
Why More Women Should Try Drag Racing â Insights from Robin Ridgway
Send us a text
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...
LeeAnne Young â A Trailblazer in Speedway Racing
Send us a text
LeeAnne Young â 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 cu...Audrey Gerberding on Racing, Resilience, and Her Future in Motorsports
Send us a text
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 <...
Laura Elyâs Advice for Aspiring Racers: Start Your Motorsports Journey Today
Send us a text
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 wasnât 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...
Go-Kart Champion Chloe Kuroski on Racing, Resilience, and Success
Send us a text
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...
Audree Blankenship Racing: How Family and Determination Drive Her Success
Send us a text
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 familyâs 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 th...
From Cashier to Leader: Eva Gregoryâs Rise in the Racing Industry
Send us a text
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...
Kelly Gouldthread: First All-Womenâs Competition Club: Inside the Womenâs Dirt Bike Racing Association
Send us a text
In this weekâs Womenâs 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-womenâs 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...
Capital City Speedway Promoter Hannah Coltrain-Hamrick: How One Womanâs Passion Is Reigniting Local Racing
Send us a text
In this episode of the Womenâs 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.
đď¸ Key Highlights:
â Early Love for Motorsports: Hannahâs fascination...
Revving Through Life: The Inspiring Journey of Stacie Rivers in Motorsports
Send us a text
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...
