8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 11-17, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com 831 For an example of the glass halffull, half-empty conundrum, one only needs to look at the experience of women in the world of racing. From the very beginning of the sport, women have competed with men as drivers. And throughout the decades, more and more have realized careers as strategists, mechanics and executives. Yet the opportunities have rarely been equal. As Cindy Sisson says of women in the sport, “There are a lot, but there is not a lot.” In 2022, Sisson helped launch Women in Motorsports North America, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and furthering opportunities for women, both in racing and the performance automotive industry. The response—sold-out summits, participation from names like Andretti and sponsors such as Mobil 1, six new chapters—indicates that many people share Sisson’s assessment. The Monterey chapter of WIMNA launched in October 2024 and held a ceremony during Car Week this year. “Change comes when trailblazers step forward—women who are willing to pave the way for others by breaking barriers and setting new standards,” says April Henderson, director of operations for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and president of the Monterey WIMNA chapter. “It requires a culture of support, where women lift one another up, advocate for each other, and create opportunities that may not have existed before.” Oddly enough, the national motorsports organization and its Monterey chapter began with a call to then Pebble Beach Company executive vice president Paul Spengler—about golf. At the time, Sisson was a marketing executive with the LPGA. She was interested in holding a summit on the role of women in the sport. “He believed in what I was doing,” she says of Spengler. “The goal was not to change the industry, but to teach the economic value of women in golf.” By 2021, Sisson was running her own marketing firm. Officials with the Music City Grand Prix—the IndyCar race in Nashville—contacted her for ideas. A summit on women in racing came to mind. “I thought, ‘I did this in the golf industry,’” she recalls. “I took my credit card and rented a honky tonk in Nashville and hoped that people would show up. It sold out.” In addition to continuing the annual summit, WIMNA now offers programs that help educate and mentor young women interested in the industry. They work with companies such as Bosch, which sponsors Electrify Your Career in Motorsports, introducing college students to race teams, companies and industry leaders. Each chapter has a goal of hosting events focused on networking, professional development and community engagement. Sisson says that chapters became necessary—and advantageous—because so many people reached out, wanting to become more involved. Henderson says the association with Laguna Seca is a natural fit, particularly in regards to community engagement. “We have many automotive ties in the community and events that take place throughout the year,” she explains. The track hosts bicycle rides, stargazing nights guided by astronomers and more. “We just met as a new team of the Monterey chapter, and many things will be in the works.” As with her golf summit venture, Sisson says the ultimate goal is for motorsports and the automotive industry to recognize the economic importance of being more inclusive. “If we get more women involved, manufacturers will do better, events will do better,” she says. Women have been a part of the sport from the beginning. For example, Sara Christian competed in the first NASCAR race in 1949. In 1988, WIMNA co-founder Lyn St. James set a closed-course speed record for women, topping 227 mph. This year, Laura Müller became Formula 1’s first full-time race engineer, directing Haas driver Esteban Ocon. But a caveat lingers. “What does success look like? We’re not saying it’s a man or a woman, but it’s the best person for the job,” Sisson says. “It’s not a woman driver, it’s a driver. It’s not a woman engineer, it’s an engineer. It’s not a woman tire changer, it’s a tire changer. That’s success to me.” Leaving the Pits A nonprofit with a new chapter in Monterey looks to advance the role of women in motorsports. By Dave Faries “It’s not a woman driver, it’s a driver.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE WIMNA-MONTEREY CHAPTER National Executive Director Cindy Sisson (second from left) visited the Monterey Chapter of Women in Motorsports North America at an August meeting, with the organization’s co-founder, Lyn St. James (second from right). Don’t miss this opportunity to stand out among the finest arts available in Monterey County and deliver your marketing message to the Weekly’s active and engaged audience. FALL INTO Be a part of Monterey County Weekly’s annual Fall Arts Preview issue FOR MORE INFO: 831-394-5656 sales@montereycountynow.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE: September 22 PUBLICATION DATE: September 25 THE ARTS
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