A Father And Daughter Bond at the Track

The weekend of July 19-21, I had opportunity to drive in a NASA event at the Ozarks International Raceway track in Gravois Mills, Mo. As a young woman and daughter of the director of the competition school with NASA MidAmerica Region, I had some reservations about the experience I would have during the weekend. However, when all was said and done, loading up to go home that Sunday afternoon, I relished in the idea that I had made core memories during this event, and I felt like I had become a part of a community just in three short days.

For some context, I grew up around cars and took part in just about everything my dad allowed me and my younger sister to do while growing up. From car shows and drag racing to mechanics and cross-country treks in a 73 Z/28 Camaro, we were always involved. Fast forward some years later when my dad started to get more into NASA, I knew it was only a matter of time before I also would be working toward getting my competition license. Beginning with HPDE classes and learning so much about what it’s like to be on a road course averaging 100 mph and handling a 73 RS Pro-Mod Camaro.

The Car

The only thing still vintage about the car is the body and the back seats. It’s fully equipped with a 427 first-gen small block, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, and an Edelbrock EFI system. That engine provides the torque to keep the heavier car moving and enough power to come out of turns and back up to speed quickly. As for stopping, Wilwood disc brakes all around on E/T wheels get the job done. The TCI subframe, front suspension, rear coil overs, and Curry rear end really enhance how well the car handles and holds up on track. In addition, keeping you firmly in your seat are Sparco racing seats and five-point harnesses. This car truly does what you want it to do without question and sticks really well in hard turns. We also run a Garmin Catalyst and Edelbrock EFI Legacy tuning system to get the best performance from the driver and the car on different tracks.

The Father-Daughter experience  

I think there is something special about teaching and trusting your own child to navigate something that is widely accepted as “dangerous” or “intimidating” as road racing. But without doubt or fear, my dad took that leap with me, and ultimately gave me one of the best experiences we’ve had together. I started in HPDE1 with my dad as my instructor in the classroom and on track, and by the beginning of my second day, I graduated into HPDE2. I also quickly learned that my dad’s natural ability to be a great driver was passed down to me. The learning and support from so many others really created a bonding with my dad, something I wish other women could have the opportunity to experience.

NASA Courses

In HPDE1 I learned how to be a safe driver. We covered topics like early and late apexing, how to pass other drivers safely, what the flags mean, when to brake and shift, and what to do if you lose control of the car. So when we got on track, we had an idea of what to expect. On-track sessions consisted of real time adjustments with an instructor in the passenger seat. Helping you stay safe while giving pointers on the driving line and navigating track obstacles. In total you get eight sessions a day, four on track and four in class. Class follows track time except your morning secession. This encourages and enhances learning, so if you make mistakes on track you can talk with your instructor about how to improve, then execute what you learned during the next session.

The Community

Over the course of these three days, I also became a part of the NASA community and had a lot of great guidance and support from those who also participated in the weekend’s event. I was welcomed in by so many, and the other women racers were thrilled to be adding me to their small, but strong team. I was introduced to a multitude of people my dad knew, striking up conversations about my experience and how fast I was progressing though the program. I really felt like everyone I interacted with was excited for me and my dad for getting me involved in something not a lot of women do, let alone seem to excel at.

I was also fortunate enough to be present while Ross Bentley was there with Garmin Catalyst talking about his on-track experiences and even more so when he personally gave me advice about handling a heavier car. Being a woman in a predominantly male sport, I felt like if anyone was being rooted for more it was the women. So many excited conversations about my experience and progression took place as well as colluding with the other women on girls-only races.      

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that NASA MidAmerica has to offer, as a daughter of a racer, a racer in training, and a young woman pursuing a hobby she shares with her father. This event allowed me to explore a natural gift that was passed down to me, and will help me flourish as a driver.

Creating these core memories and experiences will last a lifetime. I have now become part of a community that is tight knit, that pushes you to be a better driver, that celebrates your triumphs, and is there for you when things don’t go as planned.