Rhome, TX (August 1, 2007)

Kaley Engstrom

Most young girls her age are participating in sports like soccer or softball, but this 12 year old from Rhome is fast-tracking her way to the top in the motorsports arena.  And her drive, determination, and a passion for racing in addition to her achievements is starting to pay off. Kaley Engstrom was officially presented to the racing community at the 5^th Annual Women in The Winner’s Circle Celebration luncheon.  A record 36 women were honored at the event, held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway two days before the Brickyard.

The annual event is held to help raise funds for the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, founded by Lyn St. James, 1992 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year; and feature basketball legend and ESPN broadcaster Nancy Lieberman; Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian and broadcaster Donald Davidson, as well as special guest, Denise McCluggage, the first woman inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame & racing legend (1950s and 1960s).  Lyn St. James is a seven-time Indy 500 competitor who retired from active Indy racing in 2001. She now serves on the Board of Directors for Kettering University in Flint, Mich., is the Vice Chair of the Indiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sport, and serves on NASCAR’s Diversity Council and Appeals Commission. In addition to her board work, Lyn continues to advise team owners, drivers, and other industry leaders in the area of diversity in motorsports, as well as, making numerous lectures around the country.   

The Foundation remains dedicated to continuing to train, advocate and educate for diversity, and has trained over 230 women drivers from 38 dates and three countries through the Driver Development Program.

 “At the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, we continue to commit resources to training and mentoring drivers as they are starting their journey and throughout their careers,” said St. James.  “And today, we are excited to introduce a new program – Project Podium – which will provide significant monetary grants and matching-fund basis to drivers who are dedicated to succeeding in this challenging industry.”

Although Kaley is in her rookie year as a Mini-Sprint driver, she is an accomplished racer both on asphalt and dirt, having started in Kid Karts at the age of six and earning numerous honors, championships, and awards.   As Kaley was being introduced on stage and her racing bio given, Ms. St. James added, “And she’s only 12!” – and a collective “wow” was heard across the room.   Her veteran status in kart racing at such a young age must have impressed NASCAR President, Mike Helton as he and Kaley spoke about her career and aspirations after the luncheon.  During the meet and greet prior to the program,  Kaley had a chance to meet and talk to several racing community notables, such as drivers Erin Crocker and Sarah Fisher, Doug Stinger (with Braun Racing), Denise McCluggage, the first woman inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame & racing legend (1950s and 1960s) and Janet Guthrie, Indy 500 pioneer.    

When asked why she enjoyed racing: “I think that God gives each of us talents and racing is mine, “said Kaley.  “I hope to be very successful in racing so that I can have a youth racing ministry in my NASCAR pit.”  

 “I was most excited to meet Sarah Fisher,” said Kaley.  “ She and I stood right next to each other in the presentation line and so we got to talk a lot during the day.”  As one of several professional women drivers at the Women in the Winner’s Circle event, Fisher is also a past graduate of the Lyn St. James Drivers Development Program, which Kaley hopes to attend latter this year.   Other notable graduates include Danica Patrick, Erin Crocker, Milka Duno, Melanie Troxel, and Allison Duncan, as well as Richardson native Lindsey Adams, all who are finding success in the professional ranks of the sport. The WWFC relies on the contributions of corporate, sanctioning groups and individual sponsors to continue with its important programs to help provide significant support to women who have the passion to succeed in the extremely popular and competitive sport of auto racing. 

Kaley Engstrom is a member of North Texas Karters, Southern Kart Racing Association, Texas Mini Sprint Assoc, and the Brazos Mini Sprint Association and is sponsored by the Young Racers of America, Motul Turbo Lubricants, UltraShield Racing, Ribtect, Throttle Racing Products, Wise County Detailing, KAM Karting Supply, in addition to many generous friends.  For more information about Kaley, please visit her website

Kaley's Thunder Valley Racing Profile

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