Megan Reitenour made the annals of racing history last weekend.
She became the first women to win a feature race at the Tri-County Motor Speedway, winning the Firecracker 150. AskPatty.com chatted with Reitenour about her racing legacy and what's next for the 19-year-old phenom.
Did racing come naturally to you since you're from a third generation racing family?
Racing pretty much comes naturally to me. I've been involved with racing from the time I could walk, and have been competing since I was five. Though I will say this, even though it's been a natural progression for me, I still learn so much every time I am in a race car.
Were your parents supportive when you told him you wanted to be a race car driver?
My Dad has always been supportive of my passion for racing. I think mostly because he shares the same passion and love for the sport. My mother I think would have preferred that I did more of a female sport such as cheerleading, dance etc., which I have tried; but it was never really my passion like racing. Though racing wasn't the preferred path that my mother would have chosen for me, she knows how much I love racing and continues to be a huge support system. I could never be where I am today without my parents.
What was it liked to be picked for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program?
Being picked for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Program was a dream come true for me. It literally saved my career because I would have never been able to continue without the help I received from NASCAR and Revolution Racing.
Do you feel that the program has expanded your opportunities this season?
This year is the first year that Revolution Racing has taken over the program. There is a lot to learn with working with a new team, but I feel we are making great strides in the program and the sport. I feel an opportunity given is a chance to expand and succeed, and that you need to give it your all and take advantage of any opportunity given.
Tell us a little about what and where you are racing this season?
Our Revolution Racing team races two main tracks in the center of 'NASCAR county' at Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway in North Carolina. We race against some of the toughest competition out there and I love every minute of it. I feel racing that caliber of competition only makes me that much better of a driver.
We hear you have a biography coming out, can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, I do have a biography come out September/October of this year. I'm really excited and very proud of it. The name of the book is "Passion and Struggle: The Megan Reitenour Story." My biography is written by a well known author out of California by the name of Greg Palmer, and will be published by WindnSea Publishing. It has been great remembering the stories. The book basically tells the story of the struggle my family, and everything we have been through in supporting my career in racing. It shows that anything is possible no matter what your situation is if you work hard and never give up.
Any plans to go to college, or are you concentrating on your racing career?
I feel my education is very important as well, though with my schedule being very hectic I'm pursuing my education through online options. It will take longer, but it is something my family and I see as necessary to continue.
What are your ultimate goals in racing, where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
My short term goal is to learn as much as I can in any series go after those wins and championships. I see myself in ten years competitively racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
You have a lot of charitable efforts, how did you get involved with the Jeff Gordon Foundation?
I am involved with many great charitable organizations. I feel it's extremely important to give back when ever possible. I support Melanoma Research, Multiple Sclerosis and the care and well being of animals among many other great charities such as the Jeff Gordon Foundation and CARA Charities. I was at a race and was introduced to a couple by the name of Bill and Sharon Murray. They were very involved with the Jeff Gordon Foundation. We became great friends and with my charity background and their willingness to help, that is how I became involved with the organization.
Did he give you any tips on racing cars?
No, Jeff never really gave me tips on racing, though he did give me some great advice with regards to my career. He told me to continue to work as hard as I can, learn as much as I can and get as much seat time as I can.
by Linda Przygodski
Contributing Editor
AskPatty.com
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