Project Podium Participants Driving to Become Champions
Lyn St. James’ Scholarship Program Jump Starts Careers
Danica Patrick made international headlines last month when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Her victory is a celebration for many aspiring young women drivers who look at Patrick’s big win as inspiration for their own opportunities within the sport of motor racing.
For 18 young women drivers nationwide, and one from Germany, Lyn St. James’ Project Podium offers optimism that their hard work, perseverance and driving talents will grow and be recognized. Project Podium is a new grant program that provides matching funds to drivers who have generated sponsorships.
For St. James, Project Podium is a natural extension of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and Driver Development Program, of which Patrick is a graduate.
“There are many more women in the driver pipeline than ever before,” St. James said. “Project Podium is designed to help young talent achieve racing and business success, but not by giving them a handout. Each applicant must demonstrate her commitment, desire and need, both in the business world and on the track.”
Project Podium applicants submitted their driving qualifications, sponsor information and a written essay on their goals and plans and why they need support. They are:
· Renee Dupuis (Glastonbury, Conn.) – NASCAR Whelen Modified Series
· Kaley Engstrom (Rhome, Texas) – Brazo Mini Sprint Assoc.
· Natalie Fernaroli (Raymore, Mo.) - TAG USA KART
· Diana Harker (Gainesville, Ga.) – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster
· Kate Harker (Gainesville, Ga.) – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster
· Sloan Henderson (Franklin, Ohio) – INEX Legends
· Brandie Jass (Bryan, Texas) – Brazos Mini Sprint Assoc.
· Kristy Knoll (Amherst, N.Y.) – WKA Jr. Restricted Dirt Karts
· Samantha Neild (Jensen Beach, Fla.) – NHRA Altered Dragster
· Ashley Parlett (Harrisburg, N.C.) – 260 Sprint Cars
· Leah Pruett-LeDuc (Cherry Valley, Calif.) – NHRA Funny Car / Super Comp
· Megan Reitenour (Miamisburg, Ohio) - SuperCupStockCarSeries / ARCA Truck Series
· Kayla Sewell (Henderson, Nev.) - NHRA Sportsman
· Trista Stevenson (Pocahontas, Ill.) – NASCAR Late Model
· Samantha Taylor (Bonney Lake, Wash.) – USAC / QMA / IKF / ASCS
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Miranda Throckmorton (Coatesville, Ind.) – Allstar & Midwest Circuit of Champions
· Lynsey Tilton (Martinsville, Ind.) – USAC Midgets / Mini sprints
· Jackie Weiss (Hessen, Germany) – Karts / Formula BMW
A total of $55,000 in scholarships is available from Project Podium. Each applicant is being reviewed by a volunteer panel of motorsports and business professionals. Recipients will be announced late-May.
In addition to St. James, the reviewing committee consists of: Vicki O’Connor, managing director of the Atlantic Championship; Linda Conti, financial advisor at David A. Noyes & Co.; Amy Rosewater, sports writer; Angelique Chengelis, The Detroit News motorsports writer; and Erin Crocker, NASCAR driver & Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Program graduate.
Current Project Podium partners are: Newman’s Own, Grand-Am, NASCAR Foundation, NHRA, Indy Racing League/Firestone Indy Lights, Atlantic Championship, NHRA, Mazda USA, Toyota, VW, Rolex, and Mike Helton.
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About Project Podium:
Project Podium, founded by entrepreneur and former Indy 500 driver Lyn St. James, is the newest program of Women in the Winners Circle Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, and is designed to empower active young female race car drivers to help further their early professional careers. Project Podium joins the Women in the Winners Circle Foundation’s highly successful Driver Development Program. It is the most comprehensive educational and training program of its kind, covering such areas as fitness and mental preparation, business and media training, and on-track and technical courses. The Driver Development Program has graduated more than 200 drivers since its inception in 1994, including Patrick, Sarah Fisher and Melanie Troxel.
