I had just parked to put gas in my Audi. As I was pumping, this guy on the other side of the pump, under his breath said, “Who lets a woman drive a car like that?”

Another time, I had just pulled in to my father’s auto shop and this guy pulls up, goes up to my brother and asks him “how much for the Audi?”

“That’s not my car, that’s my sister’s,” my brother replied

The guy looked surprised.

My whole life I have grown up around cars and worked on cars. So naturally, I grew up watching the Fast and Furious movies. My family has a auto shop right next to my house, so everyone would hang out there. For me, working on cars is an escape from reality, and I learn something new every time I pop a hood.

A couple years ago, I had a Mitsubishi Eclipse. I couldn’t tell you how many times I took all the interior out and put it back, just because I was bored.

I had to rewire three radios into that car and one time put all new speakers in the doors.

Right now, I have a 2001 Audi TT Quattro with a 5-speed manual transmission.

I love driving stick.

This car is small, so I do occasionally hit my head as I’m getting in or out. But I love the car.

Currently, I am taking out all the plastic interior panels to paint them from blue to black. There is just something about how when you make all the mods yourself, you feel very accomplished, even if it was a small one.

Attending car shows is one of the best ways to make friends. You will have people who have the same interests as you, and they can help you too.

There’s this one car show where I feel accepted the most. It is called Eurobilt and is at the Rutland fairgrounds every August. It’s more than just about showcasing cars; it’s a community of welcoming and helpful individuals who make newcomers feel right at home. This show creates lasting friendships beyond just a love for four wheels—it’s about building connections that revolve around a shared fascination with automotive craftsmanship.

Last year, this one guy had the same color car as mine and he noticed that in some spots the paint was peeling on my car. Later in the show he hands me a paper that had the color code for the paint.

Growing up in this male dominated hobby, it is challenging to keep up with all the knowledge and terminology of the car community. That’s why having women in this community to look up to is so important.

Britney Force is the second female to win the Top Fuel Championship in 2017 and the first in 35 years. She also won the 2022 Top Fuel Championship.

Courtney Force was the first female to win the O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals, and she qualified in first place for that race.

I personally look up to Britney Force and Courtney Force the most because of the way they have paved for woman in racing.