Editor's Notebook, January 1, 2005
by Karen Salvaggio

It's traditional at this time of year to review accomplishments, acknowledge successes, and recalibrate our compass as we set course for a new year at Thunder Valley Racing. 2004 was a landmark year for us, with soaring monthly website visits (now topping 30,000), from media outlets, sponsors, and individuals seeking information on the activities of women in racing. Ours is a global effort, with countless contacts from individuals not only in the United States , but from racers and media interests abroad, including Australia , Italy , New Zealand , Germany , Guam , Indonesia , Japan , the United Kingdom and many, many more. Each month I find myself answering a growing number of e-mails from people in every corner of the world seeking news and information on the latest accomplishments of women racers.

I am often asked, “Where is Thunder Valley Racing?” or “Having read the many racer profiles on your site, how can I visit Thunder Valley Racing so that I can meet and talk with these talented women?” To this I answer: Thunder Valley Racing exists here, on the web, as well as in the hearts and minds of women racers at tracks, rally courses, frozen lakes, karting venues, and any place where women compete in motorsports. Today, women racers and their fans are found at virtually every track and racing venue, and women racers welcome media and personal interest in their efforts. The stories of their lives; their passion for racing; and the amazing individuals that believe in and support these talented women are truly remarkable.

In 2004, we embarked on a new venture, an effort to take Thunder Valley Racing from a web presence to the track. At two track events last year, we brought women racers (and their teams) together in the spirit of competition, camaraderie and teamwork. What we discovered was a synergy and connectedness that exists between women racers. In October, we felt that connectedness and deep respect again, as we listened to racing legend Janet Guthrie's keynote address at the ground-breaking “Women in Racing” event held in Detroit and hosted by the visionary leaders of the Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI)

A primary goal for our efforts at Thunder Valley Racing is to serve as the leading source of information on women racers and their fans. Our talented group of volunteers made that effort successful this past year, and it is with the deepest gratitude that I thank them all for their hard work and commitment to our organization. As the 2005 season unfolds, we will see women racers compete at ever higher levels in the racing world, and as news of their efforts develops, we will continue to serve as the premier source of information for women in racing. I wish all of you the very best for a safe racing season, and glorious racing efforts in the New Year!

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