Women's Motorsports Network Podcast Melinda Russell

MacKenzie Nelson, Sara Lancaster and Tasha Cosgrove are three women with a deep-seated passion for the exhilarating world of motorsports, specifically drifting. MacKenzie's perspective, shaped by her journey and experiences at the Brainerd International Raceway, emphasizes the importance of practice and experience in drifting, rather than over-reliance on vehicle modifications. On the other hand, Sara, an entrepreneur from Fargo, North Dakota, and a close friend of MacKenzie, believes in the balance between competitive events and consistency in point series along with the responsible practice of the sport. Sara's views are shaped by her friendship with Mackenzie and her own experience in business. Lastly, Tasha, also from Fargo, strongly disapproves of the reckless "street takeover" culture that has become popular on the Internet, and instead advocates for demonstrating skills on the track. Her thoughts are shaped by her experiences in the racing community and discussions on the Women's Motorsports Network podcast.
Support the Show.

Deni Jensen is a renowned figure in the drag racing world, originally from northwest Arkansas. She cultivated her love for the high-octane sport through her father's teachings and intensified her skills under the mentorship of high-profile racers like Frank Hawley and Randy Meyer. With a strong belief in the empowerment and inclusivity of the sport, Jensen views women's participation in drag racing as an increasingly celebrated reality. She acknowledges the uphill battles faced by female racers, often facing unfair treatment from male counterparts, yet remains undeterred in her pursuit of the sport she loves. Jensen's experiences and her grit underscore the significance of determination, readiness, and a strong support network for women striving to make their mark in the drag racing world.
Support the Show.

Bree Sandlin, the Vice President of Marketing for Lubricants for North America at Shell, has a rich background in the lubricant and car care industry, starting her journey in corporate litigation consulting before transitioning to marketing at Bayer and eventually landing at Shell in 2005. Her passion for motorsports, reflected in her advocacy work on the Women's Motorsports Network podcast, is rooted in her belief in the importance of encouraging and empowering women to enter the industry. Sandlin emphasizes the vast opportunities available in motorsports for women, whether it's driving, photography, or even hair and makeup, and advocates for finding the intersection of passion and expertise. She believes that motorsports not only offer a diverse range of roles for women but also serve as a powerful platform for connecting people, brands, and cars. Through her dedication, Sandlin hopes to inspire young women to chase their dreams and contribute to the evolution of the industry.
Support the Show.

Shelley Greenwald is an accomplished safety director at Slinger Speedway, with a rich background in emergency response and healthcare that includes service as a registered nurse at St. Luke's Hospital and as a firefighter and paramedic in Sussex, Wisconsin. Greenwald views her role as a safety director through a lens of tenacity and boundary-breaking, stemming from her personal journey of evolving from a volunteer to a safety director in the male-dominated world of racing. Against initial skepticism, Greenwald earned the trust and confidence of her peers and track owners, underscoring the essential role of a keen and alert safety team in the high-risk racing environment.  This unique blend of medical expertise and racing experiences allows Greenwald to approach her position with deep commitment, always prioritizing safety in every aspect of the sport.
Support the Show.

Emily Heisler, a 27-year-old Wisconsin resident and Race Director for the Mid-Am Series, has a profound passion for motorsports, a journey that started as a volunteer and photographer. Emily's perspective on women in motorsport, shaped by a decade of dedication and hard work, revolves around passion, dedication, and gratitude. Her love for the sport led her to become a race director at a young age, a dream she had never imagined achieving. Despite her family's limited understanding of her passion, they support her, with her mother and husband being particularly involved by attending some of the races. Emily's perspective, rooted in her experiences, showcases a deep connection to motorsport and a strong sense of fulfillment in her role within the racing world.
Support the Show.

Brooke Pulice, a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University, brings her expertise in marketing and sales to Great Lakes Super Sprints as their social media and PR manager. Possessing a deep passion for motorsports sparked during a college marketing class, Pulice uses her role to promote the exhilarating sport of sprint racing. With her perspective shaped by her background and experiences, Brooke explains that the Great Lakes Super Sprints series is a diverse and intense race series that includes 360 wing cars, 410 non-wing sprint cars, and 1000 cc lightning sprint cars. The series, primarily held in Michigan and Ohio, with additional races in Canada, Tennessee, and Indiana, provides an eclectic racing experience for participants and fans alike. Brooke is particularly excited about the upcoming season, featuring a schedule of 42 unique races, while also acknowledging the challenges of long-distance travel. Yet, with new tracks and opportunities on the horizon, she remains enthusiastic about engaging with the motorsports community.
Support the Show.