Indianapolis,
IN, (July 1, 2008) |
Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation today announced the five
young women drivers who received funding from the Foundation’s
new matching grant program, Project Podium. This inaugural funding
cycle distributed grants totaling $28,900 to:
• Natalie Fenaroli,
12 years old, Raymore, MO, go kart racer
• Brandie Jass, 15,
Bryan, TX, mini sprint racer
• Kristy Knoll, 13, Amherst, NY,
go kart racer
• Megan Reitenaur, 17, Miamisburg, OH, stock car
racer
• Miranda Throckmorton, 16, Coatesville, IN, sprint car
racer
Each driver is required to submit an application that includes
her driving qualifications, race resume, sponsor information,
a written essay on her goals and plans, and what the funding
will be used for.
Project Podium is a matching funds program
focused on young women drivers who have demonstrated talent,
hard work and perseverance, and who have generated sponsorship
dollars to be matched by Project Podium.
“Project Podium is designed
to help young talent achieve racing and business success,” said
Lyn St. James, founder and executive director of the Women in
the Winner’s Circle Foundation. “The 17 young ladies who submitted
applications for our first round of funding exemplified the future
of women in motorsports. They represented many different race
series and all are dedicated to being successful on the track
and in the motorsports business world.”
In addition to St. James,
the grant review committee consisted of: Vicki O’Connor, managing
director of the Atlantic Championship; Linda Conti, financial
advisor at David A. Noyes & Co.; Amy Rosewater, sports
writer; and Erin Crocker, NASCAR driver & Women in the Winner’s
Circle Driver Development Program graduate.
Current Project Podium
partners are: Newman’s Own, Grand-Am, NASCAR Foundation, NHRA,
Indy Racing League/Firestone Indy Lights, Atlantic Championship,
Mazda USA, Toyota, VW, Rolex, and Mike Helton. |
