Editor's Notebook, November 14, 2004
by Karen Salvaggio

As I turned yet another page on my calendar, I took a moment to glance back at the previous months here at Thunder Valley Racing. As I did, I realized that for women racers, 2004 has been a year like none before. In the racing world, Fall is a time to celebrate championships won, or to lament the “would have been, or could have been's” of the previous racing season. For women racers though, winning races and winning championships have been all too uncommon accomplishments in the world of motorsports. Women racers (and their teams) changed all that in 2004!

The numbers of women competing at virtually every level of racing has steadily increased over the last few years. Yet consistent, championship-winning seasons seemed to elude many women racers. While a number of women had secured main event wins, and perhaps a local/regional championship, never have the wins been more consistent or the championships as numerous as have been witnessed this year. In the 2004 season, talented racers such as Cindi Lux ( SCCA National Champion in T1 class) , Sondi Eden (USAC MidWest Champion), Audra Sasselli (First woman to win a USAC race at Irwindale Speedway), Stephanie Mockler (Focus Midget main event winner, Indianapolis Speedrome), Cindy Spies (Orange Show Pro Stock Championship), and scores of others, left an indelible impression upon their colleagues and journalists across the country.

Perhaps of greatest long-term importance though, have been the numerous recent announcements regarding driver-training programs and fully supported team efforts in which women drivers will compete in the 2005 season. Opportunities for women drivers to develop their talent under the guidance and support of quality, fully funded race teams have been very limited in previous years. The announcement of Keith Coleman Racing's support for Jennifer Jo Cobb in a Busch Series effort is one example.

All racers know the importance of connecting with a quality team, and Jennifer realizes the magnitude of the partnership. “This is the opportunity I've been waiting for,” said Cobb. “It is my chance to run with the best drivers in the business and prove that I belong.” Her new team believes in her talent as well. “Jennifer fits the mold we look for at KCR,” Coleman said. “She is talented and determined to make the most of her opportunities. We think she'll open a few eyes in Homestead .”

In the last few days, six outstanding women drivers were given the opportunity to drive for their dreams at Indy car try-outs at Texas Motor Speedway, where Nunn Racing was looking specifically for a women driver to pilot one of their cars for the 2005 season. The results? Simply stated, the ladies set the track on fire with their skills, and drove so well that Nunn Racing is now in negotiations to develop a second team, so that they can field two women drivers next season!

Yes, 2004 has been a remarkable season. Working with Thunder Valley Racing has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most remarkable women racers in competition today. I have also met countless hard working, committed crewmembers, husbands, fathers, friends, and true believers in talents of women racers. The heart and soul of these “behind the scene” champions made dreams come true in 2004.

Congratulations ladies! This has been a year of outstanding accomplishments for women in racing, and I look forward to sharing the accomplishments of women racers in the 2005 season through our efforts here at Thunder Valley Racing.

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