As the first major races of the 2009 season rapidly approach, more than 15 already-successful Women in the Winner’s Circle (WWC) Driver Development Academy alumni are preparing to solidify their mark as the next wave of talented women drivers who stand on podiums in nearly all race Series. More than 250 women from 38 states and five countries have attended Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy since its inception in 1994.
Some of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy alumni to watch in 2009 include:
Driver Series Jessica Brannam World Karting Association, Firestone Indy Light and Star Formula Mazda Jessica Brunelli NASCAR Weekly and USAC Ford Focus Kristin Bumbera NASCAR Camping World Series East Tiffany Daniels NASCAR Weekly Series Gabi DiCarlo ARCA Re/Max and NASCAR Camping World Truck Sarah Fisher Indy Racing League Ashley Freiberg Skip Barber Mazda National Natacha Gachnang Formula 2 Jennifer Greenberg USAC Midgets/Chili Bowl Kristy Kester Star Formula Mazda and select Firestone Indy Lights Julia Landauer World Karting Association and USAC Ford Focus Alison MacLeod USAC Midgets Alli Owens ARCA Re/Max Danica Patrick Indy Racing League Megan Reitenour NASCAR Weekly Series Natalie Sather NASCAR Weekly Series Caitlin Shaw USAC Midgets Samantha Taylor USAC Ford Focus Miranda Throckmorton Midwest All Pro Sprint Car Series
In 2008, Megan Reitenour (17, Miamisburg, OH) and Miranda Throckmorton (16, Coatesville, IN) were two of the five inaugural recipients of Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation Project Podium matching grant awards. Reitenour successfully used her funds to help win Super Cup Stock Car Series Rookie of the Year and Throckmorton won Midwest Allstar Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year.
The 2008/2009 Academy class is the 15th class of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy, which is a comprehensive education and training program for talented women race car drivers who aspire to the professional levels of motorsports. Entry into the Academy is highly competitive and all women drivers who want to be considered must have raced at least three years, complete the Academy application and provide a documented race resume. The Academy is a full-year commitment for drivers who are admitted, including three on-site weekends: Physical and Mental Preparation; Business Seminars and Media Training; and, On-track Time and Technical. Each participant leaves the weekend sessions with a series of assignments and deliverables that must be completed prior to being invited to the next session. Academy staff are available throughout the year to give counsel and support to the participants.
About Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation:
A strong advocate for women in the motorsports industry, particularly women who aspire to the professional level in racing, Lyn St. James established the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to professional development for talented, up-and-coming young women race car drivers.
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