Their new book, Girls Go Racing: Driving to Esteems, explores both the historical perspective of the sport of auto racing, and the experiences of women involved in motorsports today. The reader is introduced to some of the famous women who were pioneers in the field and the up-and-coming female drivers who have chosen the field of auto racing as a career.
As stepping stones to further racing opportunities, the authors take an in-depth look at competitions for young kids, the various types of motorsport activities and the sport of professional racing. The book also serves as a guide to high performance driving schools, contact information, and a glossary.
In Girls Go Racing, Susan Frissell, a licensed psychologist, combines her unique insight and expertise with Dani Ben-Ari’s automotive technical experience to pull together all the information an aspiring racer needs to get involved in motorsports and the positive benefits that racing brings to young girls.
Track Chic meets with authors to learn more …
Tell me a little about yourselves, how did you come into the world of automotive journalism?
Susan: I was always a car buff and shared my passion for cars with my father. I grew up during the car crazed years when friends named their cars. Hot rods and muscle cars themed the top ten hits of the day, including Mack Rice/Wilson Picket’s anthem “Mustang Sally”; “409” and “Little Deuce Coupe” by the Beach Boys; “G.T.O”. by Ronny and Daytonas and so many others.
Cars were very much a part of our culture. I remember when families went together to the neighborhood dealership in September to view the newly released models and buy their new family car. This was a time, however, when women followed expected career paths, including secretarial, nursing, or teaching careers. Although times changed, my passion never faded.
I have been writing about cars professionally since the 1980s. I observed that automotive publications such as Motor Trend Magazine, Car & Driver, were targeted mostly to a male audience. There was nothing available for women wanting to learn more. I started a quarterly user-friendly newsletter for women, covering topics such as “How do I buy a car?” and car care maintenance tips. The newsletter grew to a monthly publication and eventually evolved into the Women with Wheels website.
I also wrote the syndicated column "Car Concerns" carried by MotorNewsMedia and 300 newspapers nationwide, and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Executive Board of the Women’s Automotive Association, International (WAAI). I am a member of numerous automotive and media organizations and very active in automotive events throughout the country.
Dani: I always preferred Shop Classes to Home Economics. I was Associate Editor for ten years for Auto Trim and Restyling News magazine, an international trade magazine for professional re-stylers and trimmers.
I met Susan when I contributed the column titled “Driving Range” to Women with Wheels. I recently released the book “Car Ownership for Mommies” so the time was ideal to collaborate with Susan on this new project.
Who sparked the idea for this book – and what motivated you?
Dani: “Girls Go Racing” was really Susan’s idea. She was inspired by the drive, determination and emotional maturity of the young drivers she met at the Lyn St. James Driver Development Academy. The idea for this book has gnawed at her ever since.
Susan clearly identifies with the emotional benefits of motorsports, including discipline, self-esteem, etc. I contributed the technical details for the book.
Regarding self esteem, explain how you feel motorsport competition enhances a girl’s self esteem.
Susan: It teaches girls self-confidence that they can carry both on and off the track. They recognize at a young age that they are equally capable, focused and determined in the pursuit of their goals. It also teaches them mental-discipline, self-control, respect for rules and the importance of teamwork; all important attributes to carry forward in life.
They are able to distance themselves from the normal petty distractions of adolescence, including teenage gossip and the latest lipstick color. Instead they have a more mature focus on earning money for tires for their next race; that’s pretty impressive.
What is the best way for young girls to get involved in the sport … particularly if their families are not motorsport diehards and the daughter’s passion represents a new lifestyle shift?
Susan: Karting is a terrific first step. Karting is a very family-oriented series and helps a novice driver test his or her capabilities and learn the basic mechanics of racing. It also teaches discipline, focus and perseverance. Once they have mastered the skill levels necessary in Karting, they can advance up the ranks to Quarter Midgets, Legends Cars, etc., with faster equipment and more demanding skill requirements. Driving schools are also excellent opportunities to hone your skills and gain professional advice.
How can young drivers transition their interest in racing from a hobby/passion to a viable career option?
Susan: Learn everything you can from everyone you can, including your teammates, other drivers, team owners, racing executives, sponsors, track organizers and marketing executives. Identify role models that you relate to and try to emulate them. Do not lose your authenticity in the process but recognize that there is a reason why your role models are so successful. It’s not always what you know behind the wheel, but also who you know in your industry. It is important to make those relationships work to your advantage.
What happens after the driving career, typically relatively short lived, what happens next?
Susan: That depends on the individual. There are numerous career opportunities available in motorsports. Depending on your talents, you could choose a technical career, motorsports journalism, marketing or team management. In the nature vs. nurture debate, somehow we all end up where we are meant to be. The important thing is to pursue your passion at all costs.
Girls Go Racing also covers the historical perspective of women in racing. In your opinion, who are the best examples of women in the sport?
Susan: Lyn St. James, Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Denise McCluggage
Dani: Janet Guthrie and Ashley Force
Turning to today’s up and coming Drivers, who should we be watching and why?
Susan: There are so many talented young girls in the pipeline today. Lynsey Tilton is impressive, but there are also many others, including all the young women on www.TrackChic.com.
Dani: I have my eye on Lynsey Tilton, Jennifer Greenberg and Verna Mei, but there are so many others. Women are no longer a “novelty” in the once men-only world of auto racing; their day has now come. Women are the next big wave in the field of motorsports and are racing their way to the Winner’s Circle and the history books.
Who is on the book cover?
The photo represents all of us; all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and faithful female fans sharing a passion for Speed, Style & Sisterhood!
To learn more about the authors, visit www.womenwithwheels.com
Girls Go Racing: Driving to Esteems can be purchased on www.amazon.com and www.Authorhouse.com
