American Le Mans Series

Test drove: 5/19/2007

Panic at the Racetrack

I have a confession to make: Until last week, I had never been to a car race. Well, I did go to a quarter-mile raceway in high school (confession No. 2: I once briefly dated a hot-rod guy), but never anything professional, and certainly nothing at the level of the American Le Mans Series. I had no idea what to expect, but figured I’d just try to interview some female drivers.

Unfortunately, none of the women drivers on this circuit showed up for the race I attended at Miller Motorsports Racetrack in Tooele, Utah. The only women I was able to find initially were some gals I affectionately named C-Cup and D-Cup. They were housed at a booth selling ALMS swag, and you could have your picture taken with them in their keyhole crop tops and hot pants. Needless to say, they weren’t exactly the interview subjects I’d hoped for, in that they failed to provide the sort of “women in motorsports” angle I wanted.

Thankfully, the American Le Mans Series is very fan-friendly, so every ticket includes a paddock pass that allows spectators to check out the cars and crews as they prepare for the race. Walking around the paddocks and garages behind them, I noticed quite a few women working in these environs, and for a small moment figured I could fire off a few questions before the race began. Well, people, that was a fantasy. These folks are busy before a race (must be in their job description or something) and didn’t even look up from their cars long enough for me to catch their eye, much less interview them. That’s when panic set in.

Fortunately for me, I hooked up with a representative of Audi USA who showed me around the Audi area, and we talked about the cars and the race. Much of the technology in Audi’s production cars comes from its racing cars, so it’s fun to look at these souped-up racecars and see what might eventually come down the pike for the average consumer.

I was even invited to ride in an Audi RS 4 in the parade lap before the start of the race. This was a big moment for me: I got to experience the three S’s (sight, sound and smell) of a racetrack up close and personal, even if it did require wearing a fire suit that, while making other people look like professional racers, only served to make me look like Steve Urkel. The RS 4 was driven by Allison Altzman — a professional racecar driver and a mom — and she and another driver named Pattie came up to meet me while I was being fitted for the suit. They’re both mothers: Allison has 5- and 11-year-olds, and Pattie is mom to 3- and 5-year-olds. Professional race mamas — how cool is that?

Both women confessed that while they are racecar drivers, they’re not the gearheads everyone assumes them to be. They just like driving cars faster than your average mom. Allison’s been driving almost her entire life, a fact that became obvious when we were out on the track. She climbed into the car as if were any another day at the office, while I had to be coached on how to get around the roll cage — a maneuver that made me grateful for those yoga classes. As we got harnessed in, I asked her if she ever tires of her job. I know, kind of a dumb question to ask, but it’s my job to ask the difficult and sometimes idiotic questions.

“Are you kidding me?” she said. “I drive racecars!” Yeah, I just asked for your benefit, dear readers. You’re welcome.

We hit the track behind Allison’s brother, with Pattie in front of him, for a parade lap. The actual racecars in the American Le Mans Series were behind us. In all, it was a very exciting day. I had a blast going to the race and learning more about cars, races and the people (women in particular) who make it all happen. This kind of event would even be fun for the entire family (C- and D-Cup notwithstanding). It’s hot, though, and long, so be prepared with water, sunscreen and a willingness to leave the track early in case of a permanent meltdown from your kids — or hire a pit crew to help you out.

*With questions or comments regarding this review, write to MotherProof@msn.com.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair – Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times