My feelings have always been that if a woman
could get the job done then she deserved a ride. I know it doesn’t work that
way. Look at Kelly Earnhardt, her own father and brother said she was the best
racer out of the family, and she is running Action instead of in a car. I know
there are a lot of factors in getting a cup ride, sponsorship being a major
factor. The female fan base is growing by leaps and bounds. It is also a fact
that many die-hard fans buy products that sponsor Nascar rides. So why aren’t
female companies tapping that outlet with a sponsorship on a car driven by a
female? I’m afraid that I can’t answer that question.
What about the fans? How do they feel about a
woman in their sport? The majority of those that answered the poll said if they
earn their way it’s fine. Two people thought absolutely. I know that one of
those absolutely could also be counted in the category of if they earned their
way. Three people thought as long as she was hot she could run. I really don’t
think those people really want a female because looks don’t matter. I’ve yet to
see a good-looking guy driver better than an ugly one. Those opinions and
comments didn’t shock me as much as when I started chatting with people about
it. When just asked their feelings not given a set of choices to choose from
the answers really varied. The other thing that shocked me I spoke to a woman
who didn’t think that there should be females in Nascar. She told me that she
felt that it was a man’s sport and should remain that way. Which shocked me
because I was under the assumption that a female would want a female to root
for. Another person told me that he thought they should have their own division
because the circuit had 43 men now no women. Again though I found that the
majority of the fans agreed with those on the board that if the earned their way
then they should be given the chance.
So with the majority of the fans ok with the
thought of women, I had to look at the men in the sport right now. When I spoke
to my friend he quickly pointed out to me that there already women in the
sport. They work for the team in various roles including tire specialist,
engineers, and pr. I then clarified my question and asked about drivers. He, a
PR person and media person for RIR, said he was all for it. He liked the idea
and thought that Erin Crocker was the real deal. As far as, the rest of the
Nascar community, he said the drivers for the most part were ok with it but they
worry about losing their rides due to the push for a female. He reiterated the
manufactures pushing to get a female into victory lane. This is where I figure
a few of the drivers are getting their fears. He thought the biggest issue
facing a female right now would be the sponsors. He’s not sure why even female
products don’t want to step up and sponsor them.
So how long do we have to wait? Well by the end
of the season Erin Crocker will be in a Busch car for a few races. I think by
next year she will be in Busch full time. So I think we are looking at two
years at least before we have a full time female driver. I think I can wait
that long, since I’ve waited this long.
As always agree or disagree let me know on either
on the message boards or email me at
rissmeek@aol.com.
By Melissa Meek-Shields