(Thunder Valley) Drenched in the warm California sun, and surrounded by the picturesque San Bernardino mountains, lady racers gathered at California Speedway to share in the joy of all things speed! As I reflect upon my experience with the Women in Motorsports event, my commitment to Thunder Valley Racing is yet again affirmed. What an awesome weekend we had!!! Fire suits, fast cars, food, family, and friends!!!

More than fifty people attended the evening reception, including women racers, track leadership, and support staff. A number of us also had the thrill of driving the long road course at California Speedway that day (including the awesome high bank oval), and the evening reception that began just after the last race, continued well into the evening. It was truly wonderful to get together with other women racers, as well as to meet so many of their family and crew members.

Southern California SVTOA club was well-represented at the NASA event, and we were happy that a number of their racers, stopped by to visit and learn more about Thunder Valley Racing. Mustang driver Debra Parker joined our group, and Vicky Griffin (SVTOA board member and Thunder Valley racer) greatly assisted us in getting the word out about the event. The group is filled with many truly talented drivers, and it was an awesome experience to run wheel-to-wheel with them on the big track. Saturday's final race of the day featured the ground-shaking American Iron Series cars, and Thunder Valley Racer Christine Knight took the opportunity to demonstrate her many racing skills out there on the track.

Oval track racers Kellie Bartleson-Young, Patty Pfouts, and Deanna Betzer joined us, and with their first race just a few weeks away, we are grateful that they took time from their car preparation activities to visit with us at the track. Angela Vanderhorst represented the drag racers with her show-stopping, 10.8 second (ET) Volkswagen Bug. Angie's season opening drag race will be in April, and with the support of her awesome family, we know she will have a record-breaking season! Autocrosser, performance driver, and C-5 Registry representative Janet Curran spent the day with us, and joining us in the evening was SCCA National Autocross Champion Lori Robertson.

Thunder Valley Racers Belinda Endress and Stacey Bertran graciously served as informal guest speakers at the event. These talented drivers provided the group with personal insights on their passion for racing, as well as some meaningful tips on acquiring and keeping sponsorship. Of particular interest was the importance of women racers always presenting themselves in a professional manner. Perceptions are everything, and whether we are talking to a member of the media, a fellow racer, or whomever, it's important for lady racers to leave a positive, professional impression with others. The group acknowledged that this is hard to do at times (especially when there's been an on-track incident, or maybe when you didn't finish first in the race), but that it is important to always portray a positive attitude. The old adages, "No whiners," and "If you can't say something nice, ...........", come to mind.

I want to personally thank each of you that made it out to California Speedway on Saturday. The group was certainly energetic and passionate in their pursuit of racing excellence! This event would not have been possible without the generous support of many people! We are grateful to event sponsors ProbeTalk.com, Lady Eagle Safetywear, BJ's Restaurant, Mylor Financial, and View Video, for their visionary support! Outstanding leaders within these organizations assisted us in bringing this event to reality.

Special thanks to Stacey Bertran of ProbeTalk.com for supporting this event, and for showing us some great lines out there on the track! Our gratitude also is extended to Katie Standley, whose Lady Eagle Safetywear products became the hit of the evening. Lady Eagle also "wowed" us with their generous donation of certificates for purchasing safety apparel. I was truly impressed with the quality workmanship, comfortable material, and stylish colors and logos. After having my engine fail at well over 120 mph this weekend, I can only tell you that mine will be in the mail very soon!

Thanks again to you all. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my supportive and loving family, Andy, Tracy, Lonnie, Mike and Lisa, for their tireless efforts in making this event a success. Our eyes are now set on hosting Women in Motorsports events at a location near you.

Best of luck racing ladies!!!