Stock Car Racer

DAD AND DAUGHTER
SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR

Dad and Daughter Motorsports started with a little nine year-old girl watching kids racing go-karts at the local clay oval track in Orlando , Florida . When she saw the winner take off her helmet and realized it was a girl, she turned to her father and told him she wanted to race go-karts. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mandi Tonchuk

Amanda "Mandi" Tonchuk began racing karts on the dirt in Orlando , Florida at age 9. She quickly became East Orange County Raceway's 1999 Go Kart Jr. Restricted Track Champion. She gained much experience racing against other boys and girls her age at Ocala Raceway, Lakeland Raceway, Dirt Devils Raceway and Port Saint Lucie Speedway.

Mandi quickly decided she wanted to race bigger cars so at the age of 11 she began racing a Ford Escort in the Junior Division 4 cylinder bombers at Orange County Raceway in Florida . Because she has been in a few fender benders and a couple of rollovers, she had to replace her car twice with other Ford Escorts.

Early in 2003 at 15 years old her father purchased an asphalt mini-stock and she started running with the big guys on the asphalt at 3/8 mile Orlando Speed World in Bithlo, Florida. .

In 2004 with limited sponsorship, she raced a limited schedule at Orlando Speedworld until she and her team decided to build a new Mini Stock for the 1/- mile New Smyrna Speedway. “We attend to run a full season schedule and give chase for the 2005 Mini stock championship, “said Mandi.

While not racing, this 11th grader attends her Colonial High School 's automotive academy program that she's been in for two years. Mandi received an award in her sophomore year for "Best Auto Technician of the Year" covering all grades at her school. This year as a junior, Mandi is working toward a scholarship at Mid-Florida Tech to receive her ASE certification. By the way, Mandi is the only female in this program.

Mandi Tonchuk

Mr. Dominick Saffioti Mandi’s Auto Academy teacher says “It is every teacher’s dream come true when their students excel in the subject that they teach. I’m no different. I get so excited when my students do well. This year I have been blessed to have a student that defines motivation and commitment to their chosen career path. Mandi has excelled in her ability to perform all the needed an automotive technician. She is by far one of my top students and shows her overwhelming dedication to be the best that she can be. Mandi is my “go-to” student. She has demonstrated her leadership skills to her fellow students and myself. With proper nurturing, Mandi will be able to achieve anything she sets her mind to. Mandi has overcome a lot. Being a girl in a primarily male class, she has gained the respect and admiration of her classmates. If fellow students have troubles with a task they will get Mandi to help. “Mandi has shown all of us that this is not just a male industry. Females can do the job, and do it quite well. I am looking forward to following her automotive career as the years pass by”.

Both of Mandi’s parents work at Colonial High School . Paul is the custodial crew leader and Patty is a computer technician. ‘’Its great working at the same school Mandi attends; in racer’s terms, I’m her “spotter” for education. I think parents should take a greater roll in their children’s education”.

Now with a different car, different racecar hauler, different race track and help from a lot of close friends, Mandi is more than ready for a new challenge.

Mandi's website

Mandi's Thunder Valley Racing Profile

Mandi Tonchuk at work on a car

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