Fast Talk With Racing’s Divas (NAPSA)—Talk about life in the fast lane. The womenofprofessional racing are on the move both on and off the track, rack- LCDil(as ing up success at the speedway and attracting more prominent sponsorships. Three of the sport’s most popular female drivers—Hostess Race Divas Danica Patrick (IRL), Melanie Troxel (NHRA) and Leilani Miinter (NASCAR)—share their thoughts on the increasing prominence of women in racing and how their popularity continues to draw in fans. Q: Danica, the sponsorships have poured in over the past year and your popularity has soared. What’s it like being the center of attention on TV and elsewhere? Danica Patrick: At the end of the day, I need to feel like I’m being true to myself and my sport. For example, the Hostess Race Divas program is working to promote female drivers across leagues. So while it’s exciting to see my face on a box of Twinkies, the Race Divas program goes beyond that. It’s actually the first time a company has sponsored three womendrivers. Q: Melanie, do you think your popularity will help attract other womento the sport? Melanie Troxel: If I can be an inspiration to women interested in racing, that’s great. Teaming up with Danica and Leilani can only help increase our impact. Q: Leilani, women are increasingly gaining recognition as sig- nificant race contenders. Do you feel like there’s added pressure on you to perform? Top drivers (from left): Melanie Troxel, Danica Patrick and Leilani Munter. Leilani Minter: Female or not, there is always pressure to perform, but I think if you are focused and have the drive to win and work hard, things will happen for you—and that goes for any profession or sport. Q: Melanie, what challenges do women face in racing that they don‘ in other sports? Melanie Troxel: Racing is the only sport where women go head to head with men on a level playing field. That makes it even more important that we support each other’s achievements. Q: Danica, what’s it like being on a box of Twinkies? Danica Patrick: Every time I walk through the store, it stops me in my tracks—just like we’re working to wow the competition at the speedway. For more information on Hostess Race Divas Danica Patrick, Melanie Troxel and Leilani Minter, visit www.hostesscakes.com/racedivas. asp.
