How Michelle Della Penna is honoring her father’s legacy & making it her mission to give girls opportunities in motorsports.

Michelle Della Penna has made it her mission to empower girls with knowledge, skills and opportunities to work in engineering and motorsports. She created the Della Penna Next Gen Motorsports Foundation to get that job done. Hear her story and the wonderful opportunities she is giving a group of girls here in Indianapolis during the month of May. Plus, find out how you can help the foundation out.

Megan Meyer wears several different hats. This summer she is back in the drivers seat while juggling motherhood & multiple jobs.

Two-time NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster champion Megan Meyer will be back in the driver's seat this summer for the Nitro Chaos series. She talks about getting back behind-the-wheel after taking a couple years off, and juggling the racing with motherhood. We also talk about the many other jobs she does to help grow racers gain sponsorships.

Dystany Spurlock is a name you will be hearing a lot! She is making a name for herself on bikes and in cars.

Dystany Spurlock wants to go fast and she wants to do it all! She's an entrepreneur, Pro Stock Motorcycle team owner and driver, she is driving in the Skip Barber Formula Race Series and she even started her own foundation! Hear how she does it all, where her love for racing came from and why you will be seeing her a lot more at the races.

Is watching racing an addiction? That’s one of many things motorsports writer Kelly Crandall & I talk about

Kelly Crandall is a 2x motorsports writer of the year who knew from a very early age that she loved NASCAR and writing. When she decided it was what she wanted to do for a career, nothing was stopping her. We talk about how she used social media to build her writing resume, how social media can also bring out the worst in some people and why it is really important to go to a Drag Race if you have never been to one before.

PRI Edition Part 2! Gerda Joon and Dina Parise join me to talk about their journeys into racing.

It's Part 2 of my PRI interview! Two incredible ladies stop by the Clark Copper Head Gaskets booth to share their stories. First up is Gerda Joon, crew chief for Lex Joon Racing Top Fuel Dragster. Find out how she followed her racing dreams from the Netherlands to the USA. Then I talk to Pro Mod Driver Dina Parise about how she went from skating in the Ice Capades to drag racing.

On location at PRI with the NHRA Rookie of the Year, a stunt woman turned pro driver, and a teen business owner.

Women Take The Wheel is at the PRI Show meeting some amazing women! So many - that this is just part 1. I catch up with NHRA Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso to find out her plans for 2023. Then I introduce you to professional drift driver Zandara Kennedy who started her career as a stunt woman! And finally we meet Riley Schlick who is only 17 and started her own business rebuilding carburetors.

Interested in a motorsports career? Kennya Santiago from IMS shares opportunities for college students in 2023

Capturing the incredible images of race cars & drivers with motorsports photographer Amy Lentz.

There is more to shooting pictures of race cars than meets the eye. Motorsports photographer Amy Lentz shares what it is like standing behind the walls & fences of a race tracks to capture the perfect shot of a race car and the teams that makes them go fast! She also share tips and tricks for other aspiring photographers.

She may be the hardest working woman at the race track. Kelly Antonelli talks about the business of running an NHRA Drag Racing Team.

Kelly Antonelli is the VP of Team Operations for Tony Stewart Racing & possibly the hardest working woman at the dragstrip . She has been around the sport for a long time and does WAY more than most people realize to keep the drag racing teams running. This week we talk about how she got into motorsports, who helped influence her passion for working in racing and what advice she has for girls who want to get into the business side of motorsports.

Bringing together motorsports businesses and helping small companies grow is what Judy Kean is best at!

On this week's episode of Women Take The Wheel, I'm joined by Judy Kean, founding partner at Epartrade.com. Find out how she was inspired to come up with this successful company and what she is doing to bring motorsports companies together to do business.

Angie Smith’s inner daredevil lead her to ride NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Angie Smith has clinched a spot in the Countdown heading into the most prestigious race of the season: The U.S. Nationals. On this episode of Women Take The Wheel, we talk about how she ended up drag racing, even though she was raised in a 'circle track' family, and why her parents weren't crazy about her riding a motorcycle. We also chat about what it's like working and living with her husband, five-time Champion, Matt Smith.

At the races with the women behind the awesome jet cars!

This week #WomenTakeTheWheel goes on location to IRP to watch jet cars in action, and talk to the ladies who get these fire breathing dragsters down the track!

A special Father’s Day Tribute to the Racing Dads who inspire their daughters!

This week is a tribute to the Racing Dads out there who have inspired their daughters love for motorsports. They raised some pretty kick-butt ladies! Listen as past guests share their stories of special bonds created at the races with dad and the lessons they learned from them.

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How PNC Bank & Chip Ganassi Racing have teamed up to help more women find careers in motorsports

PNC Bank and Chip Ganassi Racing are working to give more women opportunities and careers in motorsports with their recently launched campaign - Women in Motorsports Powered by PNC Bank with Chip Ganassi Racing. On this episode of Women Take the Wheel hear from Debbie Guild, PNC head of Enterprise Technology & Security as she talks about how the program works and why it holds a special place for her. Then listen to Anna Chatten, Gearbox Specialist on the #48 car of Jimmie Johnson, as she describes how being a women in INDYCAR has changed in the past 20 years.

Two famous ladies of Indy Car – Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta – team up to create Women In Motorsports North America!

I am extremely honored to talk to racing legend, Lyn St. James, and Indy Car Team Owner, Beth Paretta. Hear how these two successful women met and teamed up to create Women in Motorsports North America. Find out how this program will help women in all roles, in all types of motorsports.

Carrying on the legacy of the Indy 500 Ladies Oldtimers. Susannah Stapp & Leigh Buttera on the special bond these women share.

The Indy 500 Ladies Oldtimers have been getting together in the Month of May for decades. Susannah Stapp & Leigh Buttera are in the studio to talk about the special bond these women all share and what they're doing to bring in the next generation to help carry on their legacy for years to come.

Taylor McLean is ‘Driven 2 Save Lives’ and carry on the legacy of her brother, Bryan Clauson

When an on-track accident took the life of Bryan Clauson, lives were saved because he was on organ donor. His sister, Taylor McLean, has made it her purpose in life to help other families through organ donation with 'Driven 2 Save Lives.' She shares memories of Bryan and how she has turned her family's tragedy into hope for others.

Camrie Caruso became part of NHRA Pro Stock history at only her fifth race!

Getting down to business. VP of DSR, Megan Schumacher on what it takes to run a racing business

Megan Schumacher has spent her entire life learning the family business: Drag Racing. She is now the Vice President of Don Schumacher Racing. This week on Women Take The Wheel, she explains what goes into running a race team on and off the track, what goes on behind-the-scenes at DSR that some people may not know about and the best business advice she has gotten from Don.

Elaine Larsen is “Living the Jet Life” and inspiring the next generation of jet dragster drivers.

Elaine Larsen is celebrating 20 years behind-the-wheel of a jet dragster. She tells us what it's like to drive the fire breathing cars and how it's different from driving other race cars. Plus, she talks about what she is doing to inspire and mentor the next generation of jet car drivers. We also have a little fun as she tosses me a challenge for the next time I am at a race!

Get the best advice on starting a career in motorsports from more than a dozen women drivers & crew members

Jamie Howe is the woman bringing you the stats, the interviews and driver reactions from your favorite motorsports.

When Jamie Howe worked at her first motorsports event when she was 18, she knew that's where she wanted to be. On this episode of Women Take The Wheel, Jamie talks about working her way up in the motorsports broadcasting world and she gives a behind-the-scenes glance at what it takes to do her job. and why she loves it.

Third generation drag racer Paige Coughlin is branching out and making a name for herself in No Prep Racing!

Paige Coughlin comes from a family full of racers; it's in her blood. On this episode of Women Take The Wheel, she talks about that tight family bond, her decision to go No Prep Racing and her sweet ride for 2022 - The Golden Child!

How a college project by Payton Cusimano is now inspiring female drivers everywhere!

On this week's Women Take The Wheel, I'm chatting with Payton Cusimano, founder of Chicks on Slicks. She explains how she came up with Chicks on Slicks in college and it skyrocketed in popularity. Plus, she's also a social media guru and shares a few of her tips for motorsports media content.

On location at PRI 2021 in Indy with Champion Scandinavian rider – Ida Zetterström!

Ida Zetterström is a champion drag racer in Europe and her name is popping up more here in U.S. racing circles. She is also a double threat, competing in Super Street Bike and Top Fuel Dragster. Find out how she got to where she is today and her plans for the future.

Kelly Kundratic is living the van life while chasing her dreams of driving in the NHRA!

This week's Women Take The Wheel comes to you from PRI2021! Kelly Kundratic joined me in the Clark Copper Headgaskets booth were she talked about how she got into racing, her plans for competing in Top Alcohol Dragster in 2022 and life on the road "urban camping."

PRI is back in Indy! Find out what is new and improved this year!

PRI is back and bigger than ever! I chat with Public Relations Director Della Domingo about the new and exciting events going on this week in Downtown Indianapolis.

Grandpa, Mom, Dad & Uncle are race car drivers – but that doesn’t put any pressure on Madison Payne behind-the-wheel!

Madison Payne comes from a long line of NHRA drivers, but she doesn't call herself a third generation driver. She tells us why and shares which one of her family members gave her the best racing advice.

The Family that races together. Rachel Meyer talks growing up racing with her dad, sister, uncle and cousins.

On this week's episode of Women Take The Wheel I'm joined by NHRA A/Fuel Driver, Rachel Meyer. Drag Racing is truly a family sport for her. She talks about growing up working with her Dad, Randy Meyer, on his race car and lining up against her sister, Megan Meyer, in Junior Dragsters.

The place where you will find everyone who has anything to do with racing: The PRI Show!

In December every year, racers from everywhere take over Downtown Indianapolis for the PRI Show! Emily Boden, PRI Show Coordinator joins me today to talk about the PRI membership program giving a voice to everyone in all motorsports. We also talk about this year's PRI Show and all the new things they have planned.

Landing sponsorships & accelerating up your social media. 2X NHRA TAD World Champion Megan Meyer-Lingner can help you out.

Driving the road paved with dirt to pursue the dream of driving in NASCAR, meet Amber Balcaen.

Living the racing dream. Julie Nataas shares her journey from Norway to America to race in the NHRA

Taking the passion of racing and putting it into words is what Kelly Wade does

Possibly the 2 busiest women in Indianapolis this weekend: Kate & Suzi

Kate Davis and Suzi Elliot are possibly the busiest people in Indianapolis 500 this weekend: Kate of Director of Communications for Indy Car and Suzi Elliot who is Senior Manager of Media Relations for IMS. Find out what goes into putting on the Indy 500 behind-the-scenes, and when planning will start for the 2022 Indy 500.

She’s a double-threat in the racing world – and she’s only 8 years old!

Today we have our youngest guest with us. Kolette Dicero is only 8 years-old but already competes in Junior Drag Racing and Junior Sprint Car Racing. Hear some wise words of wisdom from this experienced driver.

What to Expect if you want to work in social media & motorsports

Ashley Keller is a motorsports, social media expert. She has worked with every type of race car, whether it turns in circles or goes straight. Hear how her passion for racing began in a small Indiana town watching racing with her Opa and what advice she has for other women who want to pursue a career in social media.

Putting on a Drag Race is harder than you think

On this episode of Women Take The Wheel hear from Ellen Eschenbacher, Event Marketing Director for the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. Find out how much hard work goes into putting on a weekend of Drag Racing - and why you may not see as many of her famous Facebook Live broadcasts this summer.

Get your daughter into drag racing – it’s safer than gymnastics

Women Take The Wheel goes on the road - rather in the staging lanes - at the NHRA Gatornationals. Meet Macie & Maddi Gordon, their mom, and grandma. The two girls drive Junior Dragsters, work on their dad's Top Alcohol Funny Car and run their own business. Did I mention they are only 15 and 16?

The Family That Races Together – Stays Together OR Find Yourself A Husband Who Encourages You To Race And Follow Your Dream

Women Takes The Wheel goes on the road to the NHRA Gatornationals this week. I sit down with Champion A-Fuel racer Jackie Fricke and we talk about her large racing family, when she raced her first car, and when she gets really competitive!

Third Generation NHRA Drag Racer, Krista Baldwin

As she gets ready to make her Top Fuel Dragster Debut next week, we talk with Krista Baldwin about being a third generation drag racer and life off the track as a business woman and race car owner.

The Girls of Nitro: Kaylynn Simmons & Jessica Vejar

Jessica Vejar and Kaylynn Simmons have unique jobs. They are among the few female crew members working in the Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car ranks. They share how they got their start in racing, what it's like to be the only girl on a crew, and advice for other women wanting to get into racing.

Success out of chaos with Tera Graves

Dressing Drivers since 1925 with Nancy Chumbley

On this episode of Women Take The Wheel, I sit down with the owner of JB Hinchman Incorporated - Nancy Chumbley. Hear how she became a racing fan and ended up owning the historic Indianapolis Company. She also shares some fun Indy Car stories!

Women in the NHRA on the track and behind-the-scenes with Kristen Wentzell

This week I have on Kristen Wentzell, VP on National Event Marketing for the NHRA. We talk women in the NHRA on the track and behind-the-scenes. And both of us being Minnesota girls, we reminisce about going to Brainerd International Raceway.

Taylor Iacono

On this episode we welcome Taylor Iacono. She is a 3rd generation racer who got her start in Juniors and now drives Super Street in Super Comp. We talk the ultra-competitive Sportsmen Category and Taylor's plans for the 2021 NHRA season.

Susan Wade

I talk with long-time auto writer, Susan Wade. Find out what sparked her passion for motorsports and she shares some of her more memorable driver stories.

Pippa Mann

Professional race car driver Pippa Mann talks about her new initiative – Shift Up Now. Find out what she is doing to empower other women drivers.

Carrie Willhoff of Race Chick

On today's episode we talk to Carrie Willhoff of Race Chick. When she started racing and couldn't find safety gear to fit women - she started her own company. Now she empowers other women drivers and fans.

Katie Buttera of Apple Girl Art

Nikki talks with Top Fuel Driver, Leah Pruett

Nikki talks with Top Fuel Driver, Leah Pruett, who first started racing at the age of 8! Leah has some advice for young girls who want to race and she reveals what was going through her mind before walking away from her big crash in St Louis. 

This is…Women Take The Wheel!

Meet the women who make a livin' around fast cars! This is Women Take The Wheel podcast! Nikki Clark takes you behind the scenes and introducers you to women drivers, owners, crew members and fans of the racing world. Plus, Nikki brings you the latest in racing news in Indiana and beyond... from the All INdiana Podcast Network, this is Women Take The Wheel!