Women's Motorsports Network Podcast

Empowering Women and Diversity in Motorsports

Get ready to rev your engines with the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast! Hosted by Founder Melinda Russell, each episode provides you with all the latest news and excitement in the world of motorsports. In this episode, Michelle shares stories of her upbringing in Northern California and growing up with a father who was involved in racing. She explains how their foundation is working to empower young girls interested in motorsports by creating opportunities for exposure and education. From scholarships to advisory councils, their efforts are making a real impact. You won't want to miss the insight, inspiration, and fun that this episode has in store. Tune in now to hear more about their mission and how you can get involved.

Summary

Looking for a podcast that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in the world of motorsports? Look no further than the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast hosted by the amazing Melinda Russell. In a recent episode, Melinda welcomes her guest Michelle Della Penna, founder of the Della Penna Foundation, to discuss their joint mission of empowering and inspiring young women to pursue their dreams in motorsports. Michelle, who was born into a motorsports family with experience in team ownership and racing in the Indy 500, shares her passion for helping girls discover the excitement and opportunities in the sport.

One of their upcoming events that both Melinda and Michelle will be attending and encouraging others to join is Women with Drive 2 in Phoenix. Michelle also discusses her foundation, which focuses on providing exposure opportunities for girls and women in motorsports and recently organized a program for high school girls with a STEM component. They believe that getting young girls involved will lead to a better representation of the world we live in and aim to create a network of people who can offer advice and support.

Throughout their conversation, they emphasize the importance of exposure to motorsports and the unique experience it provides. They also discuss the benefits of children participating in motorsports, such as character development and learning how to handle disappointment. Melinda and Michelle's passion for the sport is infectious as they discuss inclusivity, family, and the importance of recognizing sacrifices made by those who love the sport.

Overall, the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to celebrate diversity in motorsports and get inspired by the passion of Melinda Russell and Michelle Della Penna. Check out their website for more information and get involved in empowering young girls through motorsports. Make sure to mark your calendars for their upcoming fundraiser event in May and connect with them on social media for regular updates.

John Eckelberg, Executive Director of the High School Racing Association, based in WI, shares how the HSRA got started, how it is growing, and how we can all help to get more teenagers involved in motorsports.

Dr. Lisa Hunsiker is a surgeon from the Denver, CO area. She shares how she got involved in racing and why she is passionate about the sport.

Paige Rogers is part of the Drive for Diversity program. She is from Ft Wayne, IN, and now lives in Concord, NC.

Gerda and Lex Joon met at a dragstrip as teenagers. It was love at first sight.

Lex raced dragsters in Europe, winning at every track he raced at and won a Championship.

Their dream was to come to the US to live and race.

In 2003 them loaded the dragster and as many personal belongings as would fit in a 40 foot container and moved to Indianapolis.

They love living in the United States and racing here. They do not have any large sponsors, so their day jobs pay for their racing.

Her story will make you appreciate growing up in the United States! This is one you need to hear.

Podcast episode numbers updated

Guest Taylor Hagler

Al owns Ignite Media and is a motorsports photographer, shooting IMSA and Indycar among other series.

Guest Amelia Kohut

Guest Carly Holmes

Sara Schroeder won the track championship at Riverside in only her first year racing at that track. We talk about being a woman in motorsports, family and why motorsports is her family's favorite sport.