A couple of weeks ago we joined Chrysler in Louisville. They invited us up to drive the newly redesigned Chrysler 200. If you are unfamiliar with the 200 then you are in the majority. This little car tends to fly under the radar in many ways, but I think those days may be over. I hadn’t heard anything about the new version of said 200 so I had no expectations of the car. I would pass a current one now and then on the road and not think anything about it. There wasn’t anything, especially exceptional about the car, until now.

We joined the folks from Chrysler at the Louisville Slugger Stadium for a presentation to learn about the car. Here we got our first looks at the new 200 and let me just say this is a NIIIICE car. I’m an odd demographic to satisfy, I’m a car gal who loves to go fast, who is also a Mom, and a tech geek. If you can build a car that satisfies all sides of me then you have done a pretty awesome job.

The Chrysler 200 caught me off guard, nothing against it previously, but like I said it really blended in with every other daily driven car I pass on the Interstate each morning. Upon entering the presentation there was three of their six different trims on display for us to look at. The car is very different from previous models, the redesign really went in a great direction for both the interior and exterior of the car. The silhouette of the car is very sleek and classy, the sport has the extra sporty touches that us sports car geeks did not snub our noses at, Hyper Black 19″ Wheels and Black trim and grill, yes please!

The tech that is included with the 200 S was so geeky I was sad I didn’t have longer to play with the features. The model we drove had the available 8.4 inch touchscreen multimedia command center. You can head over to Chrysler’s site to see the specifics because I just will not do them justice.

Engine performance, yes, I saved the best for last. The Sport model lives up to its name. The sport model boasts a 295HP, V6 engine. I KNOW! I could not believe it either. It’s also available in both FWD and AWD layouts which makes it even more appealing. For perspective the 2014 Subaru WRX STI has 305 HP and its turbo the 200 is naturally aspirated! The 200 also features a 9 Speed Automatic transmission. Yes, it really has 9 speeds! The sport model also includes paddle shifters for when you are feeling frisky. They only work in “Sport” mode, however, which also by turns off traction control. The car was a ton of fun to drive. I would definitely recommend it to as a daily!

Cheers!

Amanda

The post Review: 2015 Chrysler 200 appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

By Phil DuncanThe 31-year-old's new expanded role with Williams will see her participate in practice sessions at Silverstone and the German Grand Prix - both in July - as well as an in-season test for the British team.It means Wolff, who joined the Grove-based outfit in 2012, will become the first female racer to take part in a grand prix weekend since Italian driver Giovanna Amati during qualifying for the 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix.'I'm grateful for the support and belief Williams continue to show in me and 2014 promises to be a very important milestone in my career,' said Wolff, who hails from Scotland and is married to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.'My responsibilities within the team have steadily increased as I have proved myself, culminating in the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight line aero tests last season.'Competing in two FP1 sessions, alongside an additional full test day this season will be a big step and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW36 on a Grand Prix weekend.'It's a challenge that I will relish and it will be a great chance for me to continue assisting the team.'Pat Symonds, the team's chief technical officer, added: 'Susie has become a valued member of our driver line up and 2014 will see her take on more responsibilities as we seek to make a strong step forward in performance.'Susie has demonstrated a natural talent for developing a car and providing strong feedback and these sort of characteristics will be key this season as teams seek to quickly understand and refine the radically overhauled 2014 cars.'Earlier this year, Sauber announced the acquisition of female driver Simona De Silvestro - winner of the Indy 500 'Rookie of the Year' award in her first campaign - to their team with the intention of getting her behind the wheel of their Grand Prix car in 2015.Lella Lombardi was the last female driver to start a Formula One grand prix in 1976, and she remains the only female to record a top-six finish in the sport.Maria de Villota was a test driver for Marussia prior to a serious accident in 2012. The long-term effects of the crash are believed to have contributed to the Spaniard's death in October last year.Wolff during testing for Williams at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix- PHOTO BY: PA Archive/Press Association Images

The post Susie Wolff to drive an F1 car for Williams appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

“Looking back on 2013 it has been by far the biggest roller coaster of a season that I have ever experienced. At the same time it has also been the season where I have learnt the most and feel stronger than ever moving into 2014.

There are so many people who have made 2013 possible and helped in all the steps that have led up to this point. I feel very humbled to have your support and cannot tell you how much it means to me. Although ‘living the dream’ is in no way as glamorous as it is sometimes perceived, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! It is a really special thing to live for your passion.

I am totally consumed at the moment with doing everything in my power to make our 2014 program happen and I am thoroughly enjoying getting stuck into it. We have the opportunity to return the to Junior World Rally Championship which would be an incredible program and I really believe that from my experiences this year I am ready for it. Of course it is a much bigger financial commitment but I hope we can align all the stars and make it happen.

I always remember a quote from Luis Moya – “Rallying is the University of life”. This is so true.”

Words & photos from Molly’s website: http://mollytaylor.com.au/

The post Molly Taylor Reflects on her 2013 Season and her plans for 2014 appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

Despite some high hopes, for the high banks of Dayton, it was over before she really got started… Dropping to finish the season 4th in  Trans-Am Standings but wins the Publicity award

Daytona Beach, Fla.– Ruman Racing played host to several McNichols Company representatives as well as many family and friends for the season-finale Trans Am event held at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend. Driver Amy Ruman was hoping to deliver a podium finish in front of the many supporters on hand for the race as she made her debut at the “World Center of Racing.”

“Being here to race at Daytona for the first time was very cool, and the banking of the oval was just awesome,” said Ruman. “I’ve raced at similar tracks to this one, but there’s just something very special about racing at Daytona.”

The event marked Ruman’s first start at the famous Daytona ‘roval’ circuit and she quickly got up to speed in the No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette through Thursday’s test day and Friday’s practice sessions. After putting the No. 23 machine on the third row of the 40-car combined class grid in qualifying with a fast time of 1:47.098-seconds, Ruman looked to move forward as the team targeted a podium finish.

Unfortunately, Ruman didn’t even get a full lap at speed in the books after she was hit on the opening lap of the NorthStar Battery CTEK Chargers Trans Am 100, ending her day early. The No. 23 McNichols machine was hit from behind when the No. 86 of John Baucom made an ambitious first-lap move into the high-speed bus stop corner. The contact from behind sent Ruman spinning briefly, but three-time Trans Am race winner was able to recover and continue. Unfortunately, the damage was already done, as the hard hit caused a driveline issue, forcing the Ruman Racing crew to park the McNichols Corvette for the day.

“It is really frustrating to be taken out like that on the very first lap of the race,” said a disappointed Ruman. “It’s not the outcome that I wanted, especially because so many people made the effort to be here and support us this weekend.”

“A huge thank you to McNichols and to all of my family and friends who came out to support us for this race—it was great to have everyone here.  You just want to do have a really great race especially when fans are here to watch,  and when something like this takes you out, it is really a frustrating way to end the day and the season,” said Ruman.

The result was all the more disappointing as members of team sponsor McNichols Company were on hand for the race.

“It’s just too bad that the guy would take a chance like that so early in the race. But that’s just racing, it’s not called ‘winning!’” mused Gene McNichols, McNichols Co.’s Chairman and CEO. “We were disappointed because Amy had so many fans here, including her grandmother, who just turned 90! Still, it was good to be here and support Amy and the team.”

As the 2013 season came to a close, Ruman finished fourth overall in the Trans Am championship standings. Ruman, who scored her breakthrough Trans Am victory in 2011 and followed that up with two more wins in 2012, took home two podiums (Sebring and Brainerd) and four top-five finishes throughout the 2013 season.

At the Trans Am Championship banquet last night, unexpectedly, the Trans Am Series awarded Ruman with the Trans Am Excellence in Publicity Award for outstanding efforts in promoting racing and the Series throughout the country.  The Trans Am staff chose Ruman for the award, as she is very active in her marketing efforts to promote the series, highlight the series through social media and interviews, and continues to keep the Trans Am brand in the public eye.

Ruman Racing Sponsors are: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com. Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com

Live Timing: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

The post Disappointment in Daytona Despite Great Support For Amy Ruman appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

Only one race remains for Lacie this year and it seems that it’s going to be the most important. After capturing two more wins at Sonoma Raceway a couple weeks ago, Lacie has positioned herself 2^nd in National Points standings, just 18 points away from the leader heading into World Finals in 3 weeks. 

“We definitely didn’t expect to have a shot at the national championship this season. I had picked a few road course races to run throughout the year just to take a break from the stress of oval racing and have a little fun. I guess I did better than I expected and I feel really fortunate to be in this position right now,” Lacie commented on her success on the road course this season.

Lacie made 13 road course starts and captured 5 wins, all of them at Sonoma Raceway.  When asked about her strategy for this upcoming race, Lacie simply said, “I’m going to just go have some fun and enjoy doing what I love. A National Championship would just be icing on the cake to what has already been an amazing season”. World Finals will be held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on December 7^th and 8^th. Additionally, World Finals will mark the end of Lacie’s career in the Semi-Pro division, as she will be moving up to the Pro division for the 2014 road course season.

For more information about Lacie please visit her website: http://www.laciepriceracing.com/

The post Young Legend Car Driver Lacie Price Looking Forward to 2014 appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

The post 2013 SHOWS SUCCESS FOR LACIE PRICE appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

Photo Credit: Glenn Mattsing

By Inga kommentarer

This past weekend Ramona Karlsson and Miram Walfridsson became the first women ever to take a total victory in the Swedish Rally Championships. They also brought back an overall silver medal in Swedish Championships 2013.

“We could not have a better finish of the season, we are so happy!” Ramona and Miriam said. During the whole rally, Ramona had a close battle with Jerker Axelsson and Fredrik Åhlin. Before the last stage Ramona and Miriam were in 2nd place, then Jerker got puncture, and Ramona won the stage, Åhlin by 1.8 seconds. This resulted in the overall victory in the Swedish Rally Championship final, and after a successful season in their first WRC season, Ramona and Miriam brought back a silver medal in the highest class.

Ramona is the first female driver ever that has succeeded to this high level, and Ramona and Miriam have received great tributes for their historic and ground breaking result. It was two very happy girls on the top of the podium. “The last rally we lost the win after a puncture. Now we had the benefit on our side. This victory is not only ours – it’s for the whole team and for all our sponsors that has made this possible. We are happy to work with people that have always beleived in us! An extra thanks to our chief mechanic Mikael Gustafsson” Ramona says.

For more information about Ramona Rallying visit her website:

http://www.ramonarallying.com/

The post Historic Victory for Ramona Karlsson and Miriam Walfridsson of Sweden appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

    Almost forty cars competed on dirt roads of Lewis and Lawrence counties of upstate New York

last weekend in the final round of Atlantic Rally Cup – the Black River Stages. The team

needed just to finish to clinch the title in highly contested two-wheel drive class, but once again,

Detota and Warren ended up on the podium doubling the points of the closest two-wheel drive

rival for the season. The duo also secured the #1 plaque on the side of the car for the 2014

season by collecting over 50 points more than even the nearest four-wheel drive winner.

Saturday began with the special stages near town of Croghan, NY. Teams began in rain down

pours and the condition of the stages were getting worse forcing the organizer to cancel three

final stages of the day.

Weather and conditions on the dirt roads improved for Sunday. Day 2 stages had many jumps

and fast turns which made the event more enjoyable for Erika’s team. By the end of the rally she

climbed up to 2nd in two-wheel drive and another 6th overall.

“It was a difficult event for us, especially on Saturday in the rain. Weather made the roads very

muddy and with finishing in mind we set a comfortable pace.” commented Detota. “Sunday was

a different story. We had much more fun in the car and picked up the speed. In 3 rallies, we

made 3 podiums and one Cup at the end. It was a very successful season with many debuts for

the whole team.” she added.

    “I am proud that Erika and I drove smart, we knew where we needed to be and with the conditions

we had to deal with on Saturday, there was no reason to push. The smart drive got us all

the way to the podium.” said Mary Warren. “It was a great year for us, we learned a lot together.

I am very happy to be on Erika’s team and hoping our sponsors help us race in 2014 again.”

she ended.

Detota and Warren also qualified for NASA National Championship runoff at Prescott Rally, but

will not be able to make it to Arizona this year.

Erika Detota and her team are supported by Ruge’s Subaru of Rhinebeck NY, Keep A Breast

Foundation, HMS Motorsport, Flat Out Automotive, DBA USA, Exedy Racing Clutch, Whiteline,

Flat Out Promotions and Tony’s Mufflers

Ruge’s Subaru Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RugesSubaru

Erika Detota Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RallyErika

For more information about Erika Detota go to www.RallyErika.com

Photo by Jason Clanton

The post 2013 Atlantic Rally Cup for Detota and Warren appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

That’s right this new section on FRN is for you! We have this lovely interview form all typed up and ready for you to fill it out! If picked you will be the featured driver for a couple weeks! Who knows you may be sooo well liked that maybe you can become a blogger or vlogger for us! Think you would want to be the Featured FRN Driver!?! Just click the button below to fill out our interview form and we will be in touch with you ASAP!

Thanks girls!!!!

The post Become a featured driver on FRN! appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.

Hey Guys!!!!

Hope everyone is well! FRN has some great things going on! As some of you know we are undergoing a redesign with great new features for you! As a result of this the site may go down during installation of new features. Don’t worry though,it’s just a possiblity and it will only be for a couple days if it does go down. We will be back ASAP and I promise the new site is going to be amazing! You can check our Twitter feed, @FemaleRacing, for updates!

Thanks!

Amanda

The post Attention Readers! appeared first on Female Racing News | News about Women in Motorsports.