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![]() Yvonne has had a lifelong love of cars. It started when she was a very little girl and unlike her friends, she had a fascination for cars and engines. By the time she reached her fourteenth birthday, she had figured out that you could get a motorcycle license at the age of fourteen. She wanted so badly to be able to drive, and begged her dad to let her get a dirt bike. Like any dad, he was afraid she would get hurt and said "NO!" She admits now that he probably had the right response! She survived waiting until her sixteenth birthday by taking auto shop classes and hanging around garages. She wasn't content at just driving a car, she wanted to understand them, how they worked, how to work on them, everything there was to know! Her family was puzzled by this behavior, as no-one was mechanically inclined or interested in cars. Her mother labeled it a "phase"! Three decades later, her mom has given up on the "phase" idea. ![]() Yvonne's 1968 Chevy Camaro Pro Mod
Engine: Redline Race Cars CrewMike Lucas and Mike Stevenson. SponsorsSpeedwire, Rossler Transmissions, Redline Race Cars. ![]() Thanks to.."Thanks to my mom and dad, my husband Mike, and many friends who have always supported me! Frank Tamez, Charles Carpenter, Joe Lepone. These three guys have helped us tremendously in the last year and are extremely talented and knowledgeable. Photos by Paul Grant." In 2010 Yvonne competed at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, WA; Mission Raceway Park, Mission, BC; Castrol Raceway Park in Edmonton, Alberta; and The Strip at LAs Vegas Motor Speedway. She is looking to add three more facilities to her travels if all goes as planned! ![]() AccomplishmentsIn the past 2 years: Words of WisdomGoals: "We continue to work hard on our engine and nitrous program. These cars always have safety upgrades each year that have to be done as well. At the last race in 2010 (SCSN) we ran our fastest and we want to keep the momentum going and improve that number each time out in 2011 as well. I have specific goals set for myself and I hope to achieve those numbers very soon! We hope to travel, qualify and go rounds at all races we attend. Most importantly have fun, be safe and go fast! " Inspiration:"Amelia Earhart" - She believed that girls should get the same chance to study math, science and mechanics in school at a time when that was not offered for females. She worked for change because she loved those things. She not only wanted her chance to live her dream, she wanted it for other women too. Also, Melanie Troxel because she works hard to be the best driver and team player she can be. She is an excellent driver not because she never made mistakes but because she has and learned from them." ![]() Lucky Charm "I say a prayer every time I get in the car. I pray for all participants, crews and spectators. To increase my 'luck' I always abide by every safety rule and wear every appropriate piece of safety equipment available for a driver." Favorite Memory: " Running my first pass in the 6 second zone. In Las Vegas, the stands are far away from the finish line so it was just me and four other guys up there celebrating. We made a lot of noise for just a few people!" What advice would you give young girls who want to be race car drivers? What advice do you have for your Sisters In Speed?
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