#mytrackmyroots
Driver of the #15 VW “Bug” Slinger Bee
Join us for Healing Elements Day Spa Ladies Night tomorrow night! The first 200 Ladies through the gate get a goodie bag! Special “Ladies Night in the Suite” tickets are available for purchase – contact lynn@slingersuperspeedway.com for more info.
How did you get into racing?
I feel like I have been around some sort of racing my whole life. Growing up my dad was a racer of motorcycles, snowmobiles, karts, etc. and I think I have always felt that “need for speed” as well. Since my dad knew quite a few guys that raced cars, we used to visit many of the WI and IL tracks, watch the racing and hang out in the pits with the drivers and crew; I even got to sit in a few of the cars! Unfortunately, I was told very early on that “girls don’t race; that’s a boy’s sport”….well, guess what? It’s not anymore! Several years ago, I took the race course at Road America, which only solidified my desire to race someday. My husband even bought me a Harley one day…thinking/hoping that would cure my desire to race. Don’t get me wrong, I love to ride and having my own bike was a lot of fun, but it’s not the same. Fast forward a bit…we bought a bar and sponsored various racers in the area. Thanks to meeting Al Strobel, who talked to us about racing and Slinger Speedway and… well, last year he sold us the purple and yellow VW Bug…after quite a bit of work on the car, here we are today; she is running respectably and I am having fun!
What do you like about Slinger Speedway?
Without a doubt, the people! I know and understand I am a rookie at this sport, I understand I still have a lot to learn, and I realize I am older than most women drivers out there, but the friendships and people we have met this year, have been invaluable! There are quite a few people that have welcomed me in and made me feel like “one of the gang”…and for that, I THANK YOU all!!!
What made you choose to run a Slinger Bee?
The car actually chose my class/division. We knew we were coming in “entry level”; my desire for speed had a reality check to it as well.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled quite a bit for my job(s) and our family trips; by far, the hills of Tennessee is my most interesting/favorite place to be.
Who do you need to thank?
Before all else…my husband, Ron, and my kids, Kasey and Derek. They’ve helped to make my dream come true and have supported me through this chapter. Ron has been a real trooper….he admits he has learned a lot this year as well. Racing is no longer just a Bucket List item for me…it’s now become a reality this year! As stated above, I need to thank many of the other drivers and crew for all their help and support; especially those in the Slinger Bees division…Thank you for your patience and understanding on the track! We are working on ways (legal) to get the ol’ girl the HP she needs to stay competitive….then watch out, I will be coming!
What is your real job?
Funny/Ironic question… Currently unemployed. I have always been an office person; working as an Office Manager, Benefits Director, Finance, owning my own business, etc. For the past 10 years I was an Implementation Manager for a very high-stressed, fast-paced TPA company in the area; early July I resigned. Now that I have taken some much needed time off, I am ready to start looking again. Not sure where I will land.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Since my racing career has been short at Slinger (2019 season) and we struggled quite a bit in the beginning to get the car running right, each time I come off the track in one piece and completing a run is a great accomplishment/memory for me! Hitting the wall in turn four a few weeks back was definitely a memory I hope to not relive any time soon!
How did you get your car number?
My birthdate and favorite number is 15…seemed like a no-brainer. Besides, I didn’t think there was another car this year with that number.
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
This is a tough question….my experience with Slinger Speedway has been rather short; I would have to say that I respect all of the drivers that make it onto the track each week! Does not matter if you participate in the Slinger Bees, Sportsmans, Team Cruisers or Super Late Models… now that I have experienced a taste of what actually goes on behind the scenes each day/week to make the “show”, I have a whole new level of respect there; it requires a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport!
What advice would you give to a woman wanting to get involved in racing at Slinger?
Go for it! With that said….be realistic and humble! There isn’t a week that goes by that the butterflies/nausea doesn’t get the best of me right now; however, with seat time and laps on the books comes an understanding of my skill, the car’s ability, and other drivers’ tolerance and habits. I gain a bit more confidence and knowledge every race, which allows me to handle the various situations you encounter while on the track, as well as bring that hunk of machinery off the field in one piece! I am not going for points (yet), I am nowhere near the experience of others…but I am learning and enjoying my Sunday evenings at Slinger!
