FEMALE DRIVERS IN THE RANKS 7-7-08
Stefany Stephens
(07/07/08)
Thanks to Great Clips and Budweiser, I-80 had an exciting Mid-Season Championship with NLM, PA, Mods, ICM, NSM, HB, and SC. There is wonderful talent in each division and I am always impressed with the women drivers. There are a handful of female drivers, which are rising in the ranks. Mitch Headley and I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with a few of them. Mitch spoke with Kortney Kosiski, #35, who competes in the IMCA Crate Models and the Nascar Late Models. Kortney informed Mitch how she has been racing for years and it is a huge part of her life. As of June 29, 2008; Kortney, from Ralston, NE is currently tied for 1st place with Brent Baker, #21x, of Omaha, both having 152 points. Kortney is also ranked 19th, with 82 points, in the NASCAR Late Models division.
I had the privilege of talking to Lindsey Yost, #20, of Nebraska City. Lindsey also competes in the IMCA Crate Models and the NASCAR Late Models with Kortney Kosiski and other impressive drivers. When I asked Lindsey how she feels at the starting line and during the race she told me, "I feel pumped at the starting line and keep my focus during the race". That focus Lindsey has is evident in how well she controls her car on the track, she's impressing her fans as she is rising in the ranks. Lindsey talked about how her father used to race Pro Am and he helped Lindsey get her first car when was she was just 14, preparing her for her racing career that started when she was 15. Lindsey is now 18, and she says that, "Racing is my life!", and what an exciting life she has! In the IMCA Crate Models division, Lindsey is currently ranked 4th, tied with Amanda Leonardo from Plattsmouth, sharing 136 points. Lindsey Yost is also tied with Chad Primer of Ralston,NE and Mollee Collins of Council Bluffs in the NASCAR Late Model division with 4 points each, sharing 40th place.
Another rising star is Amanda Rhiley of Bennington, #51, who is currently ranked 5th is the Sport Compact division with 216 points as of June 29, 2008. Amanda won her first Feature A victory in the Sport Compact division on June 22, 2008 where she had a strong lead, leaving the other drivers in the dust the entire race. Lacey Tuttle, z00, of Elmwood, NE is also impressing Sport Mod fans with her skills. Lacey is currently ranked 4th in the Sport Mod division with 167 points. It is very inspiring to see women out on the race track and I feel that they are gaining a great following of fans who are impressed with their amazing skills and energy.
