There are several student-athletes at Richmond, but few do what Ashley Hillenburg does in her spare time.
Hillenburg has been playing soccer for several years, but admits her passion is getting behind the wheel of a car and going around the track.
As the daughter of Rockingham Speedway’s owner Andy Hillenburg, Ashley has followed in her father’s footsteps and started her own auto racing career.
Currently, Hillenburg drives a bandolero car, which are small cars between a go kart and an actual race car for entry-level racers.
Hillenburg has competed in nearly 30 races and move up to bigger cars in the near future.
“She’s practiced in an Allison Legacy car and a Legends Series car,” Andy Hillenburg said. “She’s done really well.”
Because of her father owning “The Rock,” Hillenburg met several drivers including the three-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmy Johnson, who has tested at the track. In addition, she met actor Will Ferrell when some scenes of “Talledega Nights” were shot at the track.
Despite the obstacles which come with attempting to be a woman driver in NASCAR, Hillenburg has no problem setting her goals high.
Her idol is Indy car driver Danica Patrick, who became the first female driver to win an Indy Car race last year. Hillenburg is hoping to make a significant impact in auto racing like Patrick.
“Even though she is in Indy Car, she is definitely a role model,” Hillenburg said. “My goal is to go all the way and compete in the Sprint Cup series. I know it’s hard for some people to grasp, but that’s where I see myself up there racing against those guys going three-wide at Daytona.”
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