Lights... Camera.... GO!
Ashley Force qualified at her 1st national event, and did a terrific job in the first round, despite losing traction, and falling behind her brother-in-law and teammate, Robert Hight. Those who questioned her abilites, need to really step back and see what the 24 year-old endures that's above and beyond her competitors to prepare for a race weekend.Look first at the pressures:
- Pressure of her last name, and the instant expectations of success
- Pressure from her father, who having so many years of championship experience elevates expectations and is more demanding than most
- Pressure from the constant media barrage, in which she has a camera shoved in her face almost all weekend long and must've repeated herself in 1000's of interviews
- Pressure from the masses who are even more critical of women drivers than their male counterparts and often scruitinize their every move (fail or succeed)
Then factor in the normal driving stressors: putting on a good show for your fans & sponsors, performing for your team- your reaction time inside the car, and keeping that car in control and in the groove. Ashley definitely has her hands full this season, and if this first event is any indicator, with some getting-used-to time under her belt, she'll be a seasoned veteran in no-time.
On another note, although I 10,000% support Ashley and any other women drivers out there, I did think the media went a little too far with the "Driving Force II" coverage of Pomona. The interviews were stale... and although I do enjoy seeing Ashley & John's story, they continued to ask them the same questions, and got the same answers every time. Maybe after a few races, the "newness" will wear off a little... or reporters will add some variety to their interviews. I'm sure Ashley & John felt like broken records by the end of the weekend.
The Forces.... The 'new' Family Circus!
Labels: women in racing
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