Dalton Halden, from Columbia Falls, is one of six female drivers who race at Raceway Park’s high bank super oval track. Driving in the Bandolero division, the 11-year-old speedster is third in the point standings after falling out of the top spot a couple of weeks ago. Her immediate goal is to climb back into first place. Her eventual goal is a bit larger.
“I’m going to be in NASCAR,” Halden said.
Auto racing has experienced a surge in female drivers in recent years, from the headline-grabbing emergence of Danica Patrick in the IndyCar Series to a significant increase of girl drivers in local racing circuits, such as the Flathead. Justin Rody, Raceway’s manager, said he has seen the number of female racers grow over the past two years and expects the trend to continue, if not escalate.
“Beating guys is fun,” Pilsch, who goes to Glacier High School, said.
Katie Pilsch is a bubbly teenager, but she’s all business when she’s in her racecar. Driving 60 mph only inches away from other cars going the same speed requires such focus. Halden displays a similar level of concentration seemingly beyond her age when she hits a sharp turn at 50 mph, fishtails slightly and maintains control of her car.
Wrecks are part of racing and the girls understand this. Halden has been in two accidents this summer and her car still bears the scars. Pilsch has had a few fender benders in her two years of racing as well. But they are equipped with state-of-the-art helmets and neck braces, to go along with fireproof suits and cars designed to take impact.
Pilsch, who is ranked third in the Hornet division, said she still gets nervous before races, but once she starts moving she’s only focused on the moment.
As Halden eyes NASCAR, Pilsch seems content with any level of racing, as long as she’s behind the wheel.
“I’ll be racing until I’m 80 or 90,” Pilsch said.
