HORSEPOWER & HEELS

Labels: At the Races, videos, women in racing

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races, On the Road, women in racing

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races, On the Road

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Racers have a good sense of humor.
This is Justin Humphrey's Pro Stock crew member dressed as a matador with Justin's car being the bucking bull....

A perfect costume if you ask me!

Also, I understand that Jack Beckman was running around the staging lanes dressed as Ricky Bobby, but I haven't found photographic evidence of it yet. Anyone catch a pic??

Happy Halloweenie!

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

World Street Challenge 1 is in the books now, and I had a great time helping my fellow Horsepower & Heels gal pal Debbie with her inaugural race.

Watching her work her magic over the past 6 months on an event of this size was really incredible. Debbie is truly such a talented individual that I am really blessed to call her one of my best friends and a part of Horsepower & Heels.


Debbie has been involved with the World Ford Challenge since its inception 10 years ago, but when she had a vision to make it an even bigger, grandier event, I knew that the World Street Challenge was destined for success.


I arrived in St. Louis at Gateway International Raceway (de'ja'vu much?) late Friday night. There had already been a stir of controversy and action on Thursday and Friday night, so Debbie and I sat up chatting as I was filled in on the details. Debbie and the entire WSC crew had already been in St. Louis for a week preparing for the event, and it was obvious they were lacking in the sleep department.


Up early on Saturday, Debbie got to show me around the track and how she had set up the Vendor areas and the car show inside the circle track. Very cool to see it all come together. I set up stand helping Debbie in the ticket booth and getting the Jaigermeister stage up and running. It was really cool meeting DJ Freestyle and Demo Castellon of Timbaland fame, the celebrity DJs at the event. I had to do some scrambling for the Bikini Contest, because of the 19 pre-registered entrants, only 3 showed up. Debbie was threatening putting me up there in a bikini if we didn't find enough, so I'm glad the three girls finally went on. The crowd was a little harsh due to the lack of "Skin to Win", and I about died laughing when DJ Freestyle got the crowd cheering for Debbie to hit the stage too, but overall it was a good time.


Sunday, I helped with payout a bit before I hit the road. I did get to walk Flat Emmy around and she got to work on the Rockstar Pro Mod of Todd Amandus in the pits, working on the engine, warming up the car, and packing the parachutes. Overall, a great weekend!

Labels: At the Races, On the Road

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races, On the Road, Special Causes, women in racing

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Its time to hit the road again!


This time, I'm headed to show support for my Horsepower & Heels partner in crime, Debbie Denny as she puts on her first race, the World Street Challenge at Gateway International Raceway in the St. Louis area.


Debbie has been one of the original crew who started the 10 year run of the World Ford Challenge 11 years ago. Her passion for the event and desire to grow the event into her vision of an all-encompassing, multi-event weekend has finally arrived in the inaugural World Street Challenge Event.


The World Street Challenge will be an entertainment venue combining the thrill of drag racing, all-out audio sound-offs, exquisite car show, a Bikini contest, and a Battle of the Bands competition. Basically, its the Auto-Enthusiast's dream weekend piled all together.


Poor Debbie has been a one-woman circus act with all the preparations, and I can promise her work will be one for the record books.


If you are in the St. Louis area, please check out this event! Plus, stop by and see us both! We'll have some Horsepower & Heels apparel for sale too!

Labels: At the Races, On the Road

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mondays after race weekends are tough. Especially when you have to drive 6+ hours after a long weekend.

This past weekend, I drove up to St. Louis to attend the 28th Annual MidWest NHRA Nationals at Gateway International Raceway with some friends. Though I had many times been to Gateway for the World Street (Ford) Challenge, I hadn't ever seen an NHRA race there.

Friday was nice and warm, with plenty of good racing. But Saturday, the temperature plummeted and the wind was fierce, delivering the chill straight through you. We looked like a bunch of shivering puppies. It is difficult to be at races when you have been sidelined like I have for so long now, but it definitely helps to network and motivates to keep the progress going on my car.

Elizabeth and Ashley hadn't ever attended a drag race before, so its neat seeing their reaction to their first Top Fuel encounters. The power of a nitro car cannot be appreciated or understood until you actually see, smell, and FEEL one in person. TV, HD or not, just doesn't do it justice. Ashley said they weren't too loud when they were doing burnouts (we were sitting at the 1/8th mile) but when they passed her under power, she hit the deck!

Its a long trip to St. Louis, and I'll be repeating this trip in just a few weeks for Debbie's race, the World Street Challenge.

Labels: At the Races, On the Road

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Great eliminations day! More beautiful FL sunshine left me more than a little sunburned, but I still had a great time! Even though Melanie Troxel didn't qualify, the rest of the girls did pretty good! Gotta support that girl power!

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

After the rain drenched day on Friday, all of us were ready for some Florida sunshine. When I woke up Saturday morning, the sun was just starting to poke through the clouds. It looked a little iffy with the overcast clouds looming most of the morning, but by noon, the sun was out in all its glory.

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Rain, Rain, Rain.

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 2:44 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Since I was riding with Ben & Leanne, I got up extra early to get ready, get Spike (my dog) to the boarder's, and get over to Ben's house by 8am. I was so excited, I showed up around 7:30, hyper and pumped to get going.

We pulled out of Grant around 9am and started our 10 hour journey to Gainesville. I got the back seat, which meant I had plenty of room to stretch out for a nap. Between packing and the company event I went to the night before, I didn't get into bed until after midnight, and had to get up extra early to finish off packing. Ben handled driving duty all the way until Gainesville.

We arrived at the hotel around 5:00pm in Gainesville. Leanne and I got changed to head over to the Ale House. The Ale House is always the unofficial hangout for drivers and crew since it is right across the street from the hotels that most all the teams stay with. We got there around 6pm to make sure we got seats, and waited for everyone else to show up.

Since I grew up in Orlando, the Gator Nationals have always felt like my "home" national event. The last couple of years, I use the event to meet up with and spend time with old high school friends, and my family. My sister, Melanie, has a birthday in March like mine, so I treat her to the event for her birthday. Frankie, Tommy, and Mikey are all my high school buds that love NHRA just as much as I do, so they were pumped to come up as well.


Around 9pm, the place got packed quickly, and with 5 dollar buckets of beer, our table had a blast. There were plenty of drivers and teams hanging around, and if you didn't make it, you really missed out. Just a few that we saw during the evening: Dave Connolley, Morgan Lucas, Ashley Force, Del Worsham, JR Todd, and several others.

Not wanting to ruin my Friday, I decided to call it a night early around 12:30am. Its off to the track for a good wake up whiff of NITRO!

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Its been a long standing tradition for me since I lived in Orlando, to attend the NHRA Gator Nationals in Gainesville, FL every year. Even though I now live over 10 hours away in Alabama, I'm not letting it stop my tradition. I'm headed down first thing tomorrow with some friends and will be meeting up with hometown Orlando friends and family as well. Its always a great experience.... friends, family, Nitro, and tire smoke! Nothing better on Earth! An action packed weekend to the max!



My trip kicks off at the Gainesville Ale House Thursday night. The Ale House in years past, has always welcomed race fans, and usually have a Pro Mod display in the parking lot. Not sure if they will be having that this year, but the Ale House is usually to Go-To hang out for drivers and crews of all the professional teams. Thursday night is also a big night because everyone has a ton of energy before the weekend kicks off. Expect big crowds and trouble finding tables though... but that's just part of it.


Friday, we head over to the racetrack and watch qualifying. If you've never been to an NHRA National event, you're really missing one heckuva experience. You can walk in the pits, meet the drivers and crew, get some upclose pictures, maybe even some autographs. You can also watch while they work on them, and during warm-ups, you can even experience your first Nitro Cloud (Take my advice and be sure and get a front row spot for that... you simply MUST experience it once in your life!)

This year on Saturday night, once qualifying is over, we'll be meeting up at Max Naylor's VegasFuel Pro Stock hospitality area for a Nitromater get-together. Max does a super job with the guys at VegasFuel Energy Drinks, and always has a rocking hospitality area for his fans.


Then on Sunday, after a long, exciting weekend, we'll cap it off with eliminations and head back home after the finals. I'm hoping to have some great photos and lots of great things to talk about after I return from my trip, and may even be able to sneek some updates from the hotel wi-fi.


If you'll be attending the Gator Nationals and want to meet up, please send me a comment below!


Have a great weekend!


WELCOME TO THE BIG SHOW!

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I finally arrived at the Bristol Track around 1:30pm after my detour. But of course, its not a solo road trip, unless I arrive with some sort of whacky or great story to tell. This trip is no exception.

Shortly after I stopped for gas outside of Nashville, I ran into another black Mustang... A 99, with some good sounding exhaust and cobra wheels. Well, I noticed he had a radar detector, and I was having fun playing chase with him down I-40. Cat and mouse... he'd take off, get through traffic, and I hang with him. Or I'd take the lead for awhile and play too. At one point, I pulled along side him with a note written on a piece of paper:

"GOING TO FFW?"

I figured that a car with Virginia plates, with cool exhaust, headed the same direction had a good chance of going to the same place. But he yelled back that he didn't know what this was and I told him it was a race in Bristol (all while doing 80 mph down the interstate). I wasn't sure how long he'd be going my way.... but he hung with me all through Knoxville and onto I-81 before he got off on exit 10 or so. I waved and he threw his hands up as I passed as if to asks why I didn't stop. I was running late, and I had to get to the track. Oh well, now I had to slow down to 80 mph since my radar detector and new found road buddy had abandoned me.

That is until he came flying back up on me around 40 miles later. (figure out that equation on how fast he had to be traveling to do THAT, math whizzes!) This time, he had a note, it said:

"HAD 2 PEE".

Too funny! I about pee'd my own pants I was laughing so hard.

Sadly, he got too far ahead of me in traffic right before my exit, so my new friend didn't get a good bye. Darn! And I was going to try and convince him to go to the race!

Labels: At the Races, On the Road

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

...Ya gotta be tough."

This week, Dan wins the award for rough luck. This used to be a 1965 GTO, that Dan was testing at Phenix City this past week for a team from NJ. The GTO having just had some work done elsewhere, apparently had a problem with header vs. tire clearance. When the car got a little loose at the top end, Dan tried to counter, but found the steering locked up. The GTO hit a dirt mound and went airborne, flipping and bouncing 3 times before landing on its lid.

Thankfully, the funny car cage held up, and Dan walked away with only a broken pinky toe. Dan had someone upstairs looking out for him on Thursday for sure. While he may be pretty hard-headed, I think he's definately learned his lesson about checking for the proper steering radius' before jumping in a car. Lesson learned: trust your gut.

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Another year on the sidelines for me, but with all that is going on with my father, the delay was inevitable. WFC is never a disappointment, as it remains the "Super Bowl" of Ford Drag Racing. I enjoy tagging along with the Gullett crew, as I am afforded the opportunity to learn and familiarize myself with a combination not unlike the one that I will soon be running. This race is also the place to reunite with many of the people that you typically do not get to see during the course of the year.

This year, I had the pleasure of finally meeting Nicolle Douglas of GirlsCanToo and some of the other members of the site. I've spoken to Nicolle via the web for several years, and her dedication to Girls Can Too has long been a supportive venture that I have always admired. Nicolle created the site and its mission in the late 90's and it has flourished as a motivating and influencial headquarters for women empowered in various motorsports and extreme sporting activities. The site is a positive place for women in all levels of involvment with sports and encourages participation without sacrificing any of our femininity... and without apology. Gone is the misconception that you have to be "one of the boys" to be involved in the sports that we love. Girls Can Too is a site that I believe in with all my heart because of the confidence and alligence it helps instill in many young ladies who are wanting to pursue their passion.

As far as the Thunderbird is concerned, I will be continuing on with its progress. Parker Chassis has been very busy lately (customers first!), and with all that was going on with my dad, I haulted my time on the car to go down to Orlando and spend it with him. Moody Racing just finished preparing Gullett's car for WFC, and is awaiting some last minute details on my powerplant from the Machine Shop to be accomplished before returning to its assembly. There isn't enough time in a day for all that is to do, but still I press on!!

Be Safe, Go FAST!

Erica

NOTE: Our prayers to the Floyd family, who experienced a tragedy leaving WFC when their rig engulfed in flames resulting in a complete loss.

Britt, Jen, Mr. Floyd & the rest of the Floyd Motorsports team: you are in our prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Ispent the weekend attending my first National event (as more than a spectator). There is a reason why these boys are professionals... and its more than just a title, folks.

Its been Dan's dream a long time coming to try and qualify for a National event in Pro Mod. So, he took Bill George's '63 Vette to IHRA Rockingham this past weekend. Mind you, Bill's Vette has an older Fulton 706cid nitrous motor, and is undergunned for a National event, but a little consistancy and a lot of heart will go a long way. It was Dan's first time taking the Vette down the 1/4 mile (he races in a local 1/8th mile Quick 8 series) and first round he blasted a 6.33 @ 220 mph. At the end of 1st Round, he was #11 on the roster, and prepped for the final nighttime qualifying attempt. There were 31 cars trying to get the 16 top qualified positions. After another bogging 6.33 @ 221.6 mph pass, Dan landed at the #15 position, and most importantly, in the field for Sunday's eliminations.

There was a no more estatic crew than us... all the other teams in their high dollar motors, matching crew uniforms, radios, and whatnot; us in some raggedy looking Parker Chassis t-shirts (the ones with holes in them) qualifying in Dan's first attempt at a National event. Although he went home 1st round at Rockingham, he accomplished what many can only dream of... myself included. The man knows what he's doing... he can make do with what others could not imagine. He's the reason I'm confident going into Pro this year... with someone that good in your corner, its hard to go wrong.

Anyways, back to what I was talking about... the IHRA difference. It made me aware of how different "Sportsman" type series are. What you constantly hear our racers complain about doesn't exsist at the Pro level. Folks, reality check... you're babied in these other series. These guys mean business, they are professionals, and they aren't worried about this person, the internet, or any other nonsense... they demand the respect of a PRO, and that's how the IHRA treats them. They know their place and they do their jobs well. We moan and complain and beg to be babied.... which marks us as just that... babies in a bigger picture. People I once revered as the epitome of Professionalism in our sport are merely big fish in a small pond... and there is an entire ocean beyond the horizon. Its time to grow up and take notice.... there's a bigger picture out there, and if you want to be respected, its time to act the part.

One thing that was very refreshing was the amount of women participating that I heard over the PA in IHRA. From Alcohol Funny Car (Bunny & the Boys), Top Sportsman, and down the line... there were plenty of ladies in the ranks. That is wonderful and very encouraging to hear!

My turbos finally came in last week! Time to get to work hardcore! D-day is quickly approaching, and I don't want to miss it!

Take care racefans!

Be Safe, Go Fast!
Erica

Labels: At the Races

Posted by Erica Ortiz at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post