Click here for personal notes and updates from our community of Women in the Winner's Circle drivers WWC Driver Academy Alum Kristin Bumbera Honored at Second Annual NASCAR Diversity Luncheon Daytona Beach, FL (Feb. 11, 2009) | (NASCAR press release) The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of pioneering individuals and organizations in the area of diversity at the second annual NASCAR Diversity Luncheon. "Teams, tracks, sponsors and other stakeholders play an integral role in our efforts to further diversify our sport," said Marcus Jadotte, Managing Director of Public Affairs. "The NASCAR Diversity Awards are a small way to say thank you and recognize just a few of those making a difference in creating awareness and opportunity." At a ceremony held at the Bill France Room at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR recognized the following individuals and organizations across the industry for their outstanding impact: Drive for Diversity Participant: Kristin Bumbera Bumbera, 21, of Sealy, Texas, was chosen as the driver or crew member who exemplifies outstanding performance on the track while also educating and exposing young people to NASCAR and motorsports. In addition to breaking two track records in different states, and winning five poles and numerous top fives and top 10s at All-American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., Kristin has found time to give back to the community. During the 2008 season, between a 25-race schedule, she counseled high school students on opportunities in NASCAR's Diversity program, shot a public service TV ad for SAFE-KIDS, and encouraged foster children at the Buckner Children's Home. Kristin graduated from the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program and was honored at the Annual Women in the Winner's Circle Luncheon. She did all of this while completing three semesters of college in pursuing a marketing degree at the University of Houston. Kristin will compete for Bobby Hamilton Jr. Racing in the NASCAR Camping World East Series in 2009. Others honored include: -- Young Racer Award:  Annabeth Barnes -- NASCAR Diversity Internship Program: Jaime Bowman and Kristopher Rincon -- Educational Institutional Award: Winston-Salem State University -- NASCAR Sponsor: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company -- Individual Recognition: Max Siegel (pictured above) Drive for Diversity 2009  Driver Lineup Announced Concord, NC (Jan. 22, 2009) | (NASCAR press release) The Drive for Diversity initiative continues to move forward in 2009 with an expanded driver lineup and a new management group. Twelve drivers will participate in the sixth season of Drive for Diversity -- four in the Camping World Series and eight in the Whelen All-American Series. In addition, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. president Max Siegel and his new marketing and entertainment company, 909 Group, will take over day-to-day management of the initiative. "We are proud of the progress this important initiative and its drivers have made over the past five years," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. "The expansion to 12 drivers and 11 teams is a great sign of opportunities that continue to be created for young diverse drivers. We look forward to the leadership of Max Siegel and know he will help bring Drive for Diversity to the next level." Entering its sixth season, Drive for Diversity is NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative. The program is designed to give young minority and female drivers opportunities to compete with established NASCAR teams at the grassroots level. Since 2004, 22 drivers have competed in Drive for Diversity, winning 28 races. The 2009 expansion from eight to 12 drivers comes two years after the program expanded to include teams in the Camping World Series. This year's class represents drivers from across the country. Five drivers will return from 2008 and will be joined by seven new drivers. Last year, the eight drivers combined for 14 wins, 43 top-fives, 90 top-10s and a first-ever championship. Paul Harraka, who will return for his fourth year, earned the title at All-American Speedway in the Whelen All-American Series. Harraka will be staying with Bill McAnally Racing this season and will advance to the Camping World Series. More than 200 minority and female drivers applied to be part of the 2009 Drive for Diversity class. Twenty-five of those applicants were invited to tryout at the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine last October at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. Drivers were selected by their team owners based on their on-track performance and off-track interviews. The following 12 drivers were selected by their respective team owners to compete in the program in 2009 (Women in the Winner's Circle Driver Development Academy Alumni in bold): Mackena Bell of Carson City, Nev., will race in the Whelen All-American Series for Position One Motorsports at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In 2005, Bell became the youngest driver to win a championship in the 42-year history at Champion Speedway in Carson City. Kristin Bumbera of Sealy, Texas, returns to the Drive for Diversity Program for the second season and will race in the Camping World Series East for Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Racing. Bumbera won two races last year at All American Speedway, is the first female to win a Late Model race at Houston Motorsports Park and the first female to lead the point standings in a Texas Late Model series. Michael Cherry of Valrico, Fla., will race in the Whelen All-American Series for Addis Motorsports at Greenville-Pickens (S.C.) Speedway. Cherry was rookie of the year in 2008 at Motor Mile Speedway in the Late Model division and finished fourth in the point standings. Jonathon Gomez of Twin Falls, Idaho, will race in the Camping World Series West for RTD Motorsports. In 2008, Gomez won a championship, rookie of the year title and 13 races at Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls. Katie Hagar of Nobleboro, Maine, returns to the Drive for Diversity program and will race in the Whelen All-American Series for Golden State Racing at Madera (Calif.) Speedway. Hagar was the first female to win a race at Canaan (N.H.) Fair Speedway. Paul Harraka of Fairlawn, N.J., returns to the Drive for Diversity program and will race in the Camping World Series West for Bill McAnally Racing. Harraka has 174 career wins, 13 national and six world karting championships and won the 2008 track championship at All American Speedway. Laura Hayes of Wilton, Calif., will race in the Whelen All-American Series for James Racing at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. Hayes has amassed 12 national, state and regional karting titles and more than 100 wins. Juan Pitta of Galt, Calif., will race for Bill McAnally Racing in the Whelen All-American Series at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. Pitta is a seven-time karting champion. Megan Reitenour of Miamisburg, Ohio, will race for Leicht Motorsports in the Whelen All-American Series at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, N.C. Reitenour is a three-time Ohio state champion in the Bandolero and Legends series. Natalie Sather of Fargo, N.D., will race for Total Velocity Motorsports in the Whelen All-American Series at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash. Sather became the first woman to win a major ASCS trophy in 2007 when she won the Midwest points championship. Jonathan Smith of Beacon Falls, Conn., returns to the Drive for Diversity program for a third season and will race in the Camping World Series East for Fadden Racing, Inc. Last year, Smith finished 19th in the Camping World Series East point standings. Emily Sue Steck of Holmen, Wis., will race for DMT Motorsports in the Whelen All-American Series at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wis. Steck received 2007 rookie of the year honors at LaCrosse Fairgrounds along with the most popular driver award. Steck was also awarded the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award. WWC Driver Development Academy Alumni Prepare for the 2009 Race Season Phoenix, AZ (Jan. 15, 2009) | As the first major races of the 2009 season rapidly approach, more than 15 already-successful Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy alumni are preparing to solidify their mark as the next wave of talented women drivers who stand on podiums in nearly all race Series.  More than 250 women from 38 states and five countries have attended Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy since its inception in 1994. Some of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy alumni to watch in 2009 include: Jessica Brannam, WKA, Firestone Indy Lights and Star Formula Mazda Jessica Brunelli, NASCAR Weekly Series and USAC Ford Focus Kristin Bumbera, NASCAR Camping World Series East Tiffany Daniels, NASCAR Weekly Series Gabi DeCarlo, ARCA Re/Max and NASCAR Camping World Truck Sarah Fisher, Indy Racing League Ashley Freiberg, Skip Barber Mazda Network Natacha Gachnang, Formula 2 Jennifer Greenberg, USAC Midgets/Chili Bowl Kristy Kester, Star Formula Mazda and select Firestone Indy Lights Julia Landauer, WKA Alison MacLeod, USAC Midgets Alli Owens, ARCA Re/Max Danica Patrick, Indy Racing League Megan Reitenour, NASCAR Weekly Series Natalie Sather, NASCAR Weekly Series Caitlin Shaw, USAC Midgets Samantha Taylor, USAC Ford Focus Miranda Throckmorton, Midwest All Pro Sprint Car Series In 2008, Megan Reitenour (17, Miamisburg, OH) and Miranda Throckmorton (16, Coatesville, IN) were two of the five inaugural recipients of Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation Project Podium matching grant awards. Reitenour successfully used her funds to help win Super Cup Stock Car Series Rookie of the Year and Throckmorton won Midwest Allstar Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year. The 2008/2009 Academy class is the 15th class of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy, which is a comprehensive education and training program for talented women race car drivers who aspire to the professional levels of motorsports.  Entry into the Academy is highly competitive and all women drivers who want to be considered must have raced at least three years, complete the Academy application and provide a documented race resume.  The Academy is a full-year commitment for drivers who are admitted, including three on-site weekends:  Physical and Mental Preparation; Business Seminars and Media Training; and, On-track Time and Technical.  Each participant leaves the weekend sessions with a series of assignments and deliverables that must be completed prior to being invited to the next session.  Academy staff are available throughout the year to give counsel and support to the participants. Shea Holbrook Wins the Cooper Tire Scholarship At The Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy Phoenix, AZ (Nov. 24, 2008) | Shea Holbrook, 18, of Groveland, FL was named the inaugural recipient of the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Scholarship for the first phase of the Women in the Winner’s Circle (WWC) Driver Development Academy. “Cooper Tire’s decision to support the Academy and Shea demonstrates not only their support of training and educating young women drivers, but also their belief that women can be successful in all areas of motorsports,” said Lyn St. James, former professional motorsports driver and founder of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and Driver Development Academy. “By choosing to partner with this program, Cooper Tire is helping move motorsports forward as a gender integrated industry.” In 2008, Holbrook raced in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) ITS Class in her 1998 Acura Integra. She has also driven this car in the Formula and Automobile Racing Association (FARA) MP Classes and in National Auto Sports Association (NASA) events. Her next race is 25 Hours of Thunderhill in Richmond, CA on a four female team called DivaSpeed. Holbrook’s long term goals in racing are driving open wheel race cars. In early 2008 Shea attended the Skip Barber two and three day advanced racing classes and earned her open wheel racing credential with the Skip Barber Racing Series. On October 25, 2008, Shea finished on the podium in the Skip Barber Southern Regional Race at Carolina Motorsports Park.  For more information on Shea Holbrook log on to www.shearacing.com. The Foundation’s Complete Driver Academy is a comprehensive educational and training program for talented women race drivers who aspire to the professional levels of motorsports.  Entry into the Academy is highly competitive and all women drivers who want to be considered must have raced at least three years, complete the Academy application and provide a documented race resume.  The first phase of the 2008-2009 Academy was held November 14 -16 at Athletes Performance Institute and Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. The weekend included hands on workshops by Dr. Jacques Dallaire of Performance Prime who taught the young women how to maximize their performances through focus and “rules of the mental road.” The weekend also included baseline physical fitness evaluations; an exercise session to shape programs to improve fitness levels, and nutrition, bio feedback and visualization workshops. Established in 1994, the Academy has a two-fold purpose: (1) identify potential champion women drivers who have demonstrated success on the track and have a desire to pursue a career in professional motorsports; and (2) create an experience that will provide the tools to further women drivers’ careers in motorsports as well as enhance their lives on and off the track. The Academy is a full year program including three onsite weekends:  Weekend 1 – Physical and Mental Preparation; Weekend 2 – Business Seminars and Media Training; and Weekend 3 – On-track time and technical.  Each participant leaves the weekend session with a series of assignments and deliverables that must be completed prior to be invited to the next session.  Academy staff are available throughout the year to give counsel and support to the participants. About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located in 10 countries around the world.  For more information, visit Cooper Tire's web site at: www.coopertire.com. 12 Women Drivers Confirmed for Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy Phoenix, AZ (Nov. 11, 2008 |Twelve young women drivers were invited by Lyn St. James to participate in the 15th class of the Women in the Winner’s Circle (WWC) Foundation Complete Driver Academy, which is a comprehensive educational and training program for talented women race drivers who aspire to the professional levels of motorsports.  Entry into the Academy is highly competitive and all women drivers who want to be considered must have raced at least three years, complete the Academy application and provide a documented race resume.  The first Academy session is Friday, November 14 – 16 at Athlete’s Performance Institute and Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. The class members in the 2008/2009 WWC Foundation Complete Driver Academy include: - Ciara Cass McCoy, 16 (Colebrook, NH) - Kaley Engstrom, 13 (Rhome, TX) - Courtney Hardin, 16 (Tarboro, NC) - Shea Holbrook, 18 (Groveland, FL) - Kim Hughes, 18 (Maybee, MI) - Taryn Laskey, 22 (Tulsa, OK) - Kayla Mincey, 17 (Lower Lake, CA) - Sheila Nash, 30 (Yorba Linda, CA) - Marisa Niederauer, 22 (Levitown, NY) - Gabriella Robles, 16 (Nuevo, CA) - Heidi Tresler, 18 (Victorville, CA) - Kristina Vorndran, 14 (Charlton, MA) In addition, drivers from the 2007-2008 class completed their on track program at the Bondurant School at Firebird Raceway.  In October these drivers also attended Finish Line Racing School in Edgewater, FL, so they have now been able to have both oval track and road course training.  The drivers completing their final phase are: - Jessica Brunelli, 15 (Hayward, CA) - Kristin Bumbera, 19 (Sealy, TX) - Tiffany Daniels, 22 (Concord, NC) - Ashley Freiberg, 18 (Homer Glen, IL) - Brianna Hershey, 17 (Dillsburg, PA) - Kristy Kester, 20 (College Station, TX) - Molly Rhoads, 26 (Goodhue, MN) - Natalie Sather, 23 (Fargo, ND) - Trista Stevenson, 18 (Pocahontas, IL) Established in 1994, the Academy has a two-fold purpose: (1) identify potential champion women drivers who have demonstrated success on the track and have a desire to pursue a career in professional motorsports; and (2) create an experience that will provide the tools to further women drivers’ careers in motorsports as well as enhance their lives on and off the track. “This year’s class continues to show me that there are many talented women drivers in all forms of motorsports,” said Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and Driver Academy founder Lyn St. James.  “Collectively, the drivers we selected this year have raced in karts, midgets, sprints, stock cars, sports cars and late models.  My goal for these women is to get from the Academy and its resources all the tools they need to become successful in motorsports, no matter what Series they choose to race in.” In 2008, the Foundation moved this ground breaking program from a four-day experience to a full year commitment including three onsite weekends:  Weekend 1 – Physical and Mental Preparation; 2 – Business Seminars and Media Training; and 3 – On-track time and technical.  Each participant leaves the weekend session with a series of assignments and deliverables that must be completed prior to be invited to the next session.  Academy staff are available throughout the year to give counsel and support to the participants. Lyn St. James on the passing of her friend, colleague and supporter Paul Newman Phoeniz, AZ (Oct. 1, 2008) | I admired Paul Newman first from afar while watching him race at the SCCA runoffs at Road Atlanta in the 70s, and then later when competing against him in the Trans Am Series in the 80s. It always amazed me that he was just "one of us" while at the track.  We had a running joke between us that started when we were both competing in the Trans Am Series.  In the Lime Rock Trans Am race Paul and I had a rear end collision in Turn 1.  He qualified a number of positions behind me, but came barreling through the first turn of the first lap and attempted to pass everyone, which of course ended in disaster. We had other rear-enders … Cleveland comes to mind. This is a very special picture that was taken at the Dallas Grand Prix where Trans Am was the feature race.  It was a temporary circuit and the distance between the paddock and the pits was huge.  I was walking along to get to the pits to get to my car for a practice or qualifying session, Paul came along on his scooter and asked me if I wanted a lift.  A photographer sent me the photo and years later I asked Paul if he would sign it (it's common knowledge that he didn't sign autographs) and the inscription "rear ended again" was just another reference/joke between us.   This past year, through Newman's Own, he approved a grant to my Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation to launch Project Podium, a scholarship fund for women in racing. It was another example of how much he was willing to help others.  When the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation wanted to honor him this year with our Leadership Award at our annual luncheon, he gracefully declined the award saying, " I am truly honored that you wish to present me with your Leadership Award, so it's with considerable regret that I decline. On my 70th birthday, I resolved not to accept any more awards or honors. Not, you understand, out of arrogance, but a happy and mellow belief that I had been honored in gracious sufficiency and more would constitute excess.  In the 10 plus years since then, I have made no exceptions.  I thank you for thinking of me and wish you a successful and enjoyable luncheon." Paul Newman was a doer and we will miss him greatly!  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family who I know were a significant part of this life. Lyn St. James on List of 35 Most Memorable Moments in Women's Sports over the last 35 years East Meadow, NY (Sept. 19, 2008) | In conjunction with the 35th anniversary of Billie Jean King beating Bobby Riggs, the Women's Sports Foundation put together a list of the "35 Most Memorable Moments in Women's Sports" over the last 35 years.  Lyn St. James made the list because of her 1992 achievement of becaming the second woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and being the first woman to win Indy 500 Rookie of the Year honors. Two other women race car drivers were also honored: Danica Patrick for being the first woman to win an Indy Car race at the Nikon Indy 300 in 2008; and Janet Guthrie, who in 1977, became the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Individuals, Teams Honored for Leadership, Spirit, Pioneering Activities and Providing Opportunities to Women Racers Indianapolis, IN (July 24, 2008)  | The Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation today announced the winners of its Leadership Award, the Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award, the USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award, and the Opportunity Award. The honorees were recognized at the Foundation’s 6th annual Women in the Winner’s Circle luncheon held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Foundation presented its inaugural Leadership Award to Director of Ford Racing, Dan Davis. For 11 years, Davis has managed Ford’s North American auto racing programs, including their commitment to furthering grassroots racing efforts and young driver development. In 2005, Davis led the charge to create the Ford Female Driver Development Program, the first time a manufacturer created a program to identify and develop young female talent. Through this ongoing program, women are provided opportunities and resources to help them reach the winner’s circle. Ford Racing has a long history in developing diverse driver talent. Ford was an early supporter of Lyn St. James' road racing career in the 1980s, as well as a supporter of prominent African-American driver Willy T. Ribbs' road racing career in that same time frame. Currently they are supporting the racing efforts of Stephanie Mockler and Alison MacLeod in the USAC Midgets Series. The Foundation also recognized Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation for being the inaugural partner in Project Podium, the Foundation’s matching grant program. Thanks to Newman’s support and leadership, Project Podium awarded grants last month to five young women drivers to help further their careers. The 4th annual Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award was presented posthumously to two individuals: Sara Christian and Louise Smith. This award was created to honor Mildred Marcum, who co-founded the ARCA Re/Max Series in 1953 in Toledo Ohio, and who represents what it takes to be successful in racing: show up, work hard, love what you’re doing, and be the best at what you do. On June 19, 1949, Sara Christian became the first woman driver in NASCAR history. Three weeks later, in her second race, she competed in the first field to feature three women drivers and she competed against her husband, Frank, making them the only married couple to compete in a NASCAR race. Through seven races in 1949 and 1950, Christian had two Top 10 finishes. In 1949, she was named United States Drivers’ Association Woman Driver of the Year, and was inducted into the Georgia Automotive Racing Hall of Fame in 2004. She passed away in 1980. Louise Smith was known as “the first lady of racing,” winning 38 races in her career. She started her career on local short tracks in 1945. On July 10, 1949, she began racing in NASCAR, competing in the first stock car race she ever saw and driving in the first race to include three women – Louise Smith, Sara Christian and Ethel Mobley. She stopped racing in 1956, but returned to the industry in 1971 to sponsor cars for drivers on their way up. In 1999, she became the first woman inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Smith passed away on April 15, 2006. Previous winners of the Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award are: Mildred Marcum (2005); Barbara Parks (2006); and Denise McCluggage (2007). The USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award honors a woman driver whose spirit, determination and driving ability are reminiscent of the excellence demonstrated by Kara Hendrick during her brief career. This year’s honoree is 19-year old Alison MacLeod. Since stepping foot into her first go-kart at age seven, MacLeod’s passion in life has been to go racing. Graduating from 4-cycle sprint karts to 80cc shifter karts by age 11; MacLeod proved she was not just a competitor but a champion. By 2004 MacLeod racked up numerous championships and caught the attention of Ford Racing as an up-and-coming competitor. She was given the opportunity to showcase her talent in the Ford Racing Sponsored Driver Development Program managed and operated by open wheel car builder Bob East, of B. East chassis. Competing in the USAC Ford Focus division Alison scored her first victory in 2005, just 3-weeks after her 16th birthday. The 2007 season included a win in Plymouth, IN, and set her on the path for 2008 to tackle the USAC Regional Midget series. Previous winners of the USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award are: Sarah McCune (2003); Erin Crocker (2004); Sondi Eden (2005); Melanie Troxel (2006); Stephanie Mockler (2007). The Opportunity Award was developed to honor racing teams, race Series and sponsors that create significant opportunities for women drivers to excel within the industry. The 2008 honorees are: Bob East for providing opportunities in the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series; Jim Jordan, Mazda for providing opportunities in the Mazda Ladder Series; Sam Schmidt Motorsports for providing opportunities to Ana Beatriz; Mike Ashley/Roger Burgess for providing opportunities to Melanie Troxel; Newman Wachs Racing for providing opportunities to Simona De Silvestro; Jon Lewis, American Spirit Racing for providing opportunities to Cyndie Allmann; Erin Crocker for providing opportunities in the Tobias SpeedSTR Series; Kalitta Motorsports for providing opportunities to Hillary Will; Golden State Racing for providing opportunities to Kristin Bumbera. Previous winners include: Evernham Motorsports; Rahal Letterman Racing; Richard Childress Racing; Bobby Hamilton Racing; Frank Pedegron Racing; Don Schumacher Racing; Roush Racing; and Harold Matthews. Sponsors of the 2008 luncheon included: American Honda Motor Company; American Senior Communities; CARA Charities; Ford Racing; General Motors; George McAtee; Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Jane A. Potee/Old National Bank; Just Marketing International; Leo Mehl; Linda Conti/David A. Noyes & Co.; Mazda North America; NASCAR; Simon Property Group; The Indianapolis Star Media Group; Toyota; University of Indianapolis; and Whale Hunting Women. Five Up-and-Coming Women Drivers Awarded Project Podium Grants Indianapolis, IN, (July 1, 2008) | Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation today announced the five young women drivers who received funding from the Foundation’s new matching grant program, Project Podium. This inaugural funding cycle distributed grants totaling $28,900 to: • Natalie Fenaroli, 12 years old, Raymore, MO, go kart racer • Brandie Jass, 15, Bryan, TX, mini sprint racer • Kristy Knoll, 13, Amherst, NY, go kart racer • Megan Reitenaur, 17, Miamisburg, OH, stock car racer • Miranda Throckmorton, 16, Coatesville, IN, sprint car racer Each driver is required to submit an application that includes her driving qualifications, race resume, sponsor information, a written essay on her goals and plans, and what the funding will be used for. Project Podium is a matching funds program focused on young women drivers who have demonstrated talent, hard work and perseverance, and who have generated sponsorship dollars to be matched by Project Podium. “Project Podium is designed to help young talent achieve racing and business success,” said Lyn St. James, founder and executive director of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation. “The 17 young ladies who submitted applications for our first round of funding exemplified the future of women in motorsports. They represented many different race series and all are dedicated to being successful on the track and in the motorsports business world.” In addition to St. James, the grant review committee consisted of: Vicki O’Connor, managing director of the Atlantic Championship; Linda Conti, financial advisor at David A. Noyes & Co.; Amy Rosewater, sports 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, Mazda USA, Toyota, VW, Rolex, and Mike Helton. 6th Annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Luncheon to be Held on July 24, 2008 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolis, IN (May 24, 2008) | The Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation today announced Thursday, July 24, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as the date for its 6th annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Luncheon. The luncheon will be hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Plaza Village Pavilion. The luncheon brings together women race car drivers from the past, present and future and raises funds to sustain its programs that support, celebrate, educate and train aspiring young women race car drivers. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Foundation provides opportunities for the positive development and advancement of women worldwide in the motorsports industry through its Driver Development Academy, Project Podium matching grant program, and its contributions to programs that promote diversity and development of women in the industry. Individual tickets are $100, tables of nine are $1,000 and full page ads in the tribute book are $500. All proceeds from the luncheon will go to support the Foundation’s programs.