IMCA’s Lady Eagles Led By Wisconsinite Julie McDermid

I discovered something interesting checking out the IMCA website.  I wouldn’t call it a series, but there appears to be a points championship called “Lady Eagle.”  Yes, it is for women drivers, nothing disparaging meant with that comment.  If I counted right, there are 72 women competing in various IMCA divisions.

 

I imagine the first thing a lot of the sexist gents in the pits will comment is that the women are all driving 4-cylinder Sports Compacts.  That would be wrong.  Yes there are women in the Sports Compact division, but sixteen women are driving in IMCA’s tough modified division.  Others drive sport mods and hobby stocks.  Iowan Jill George pilots a late model, and there are several young ladies from Nebraska driving crate late models.

 

When I was growing up, not in the Stone Age, but close to it, women were not allowed in the pits. Women have been allowed in the pits for years, and that was good for the sport.   I happen to think this is also good for the sport, not just for the present, but for the future as well.  Seeing the success of others will lead to a further increase in the ranks of women racers.  For girls in the stands, the lady drivers are both role models and heroes.  I think if even one woman had visible success in the IMCA ranks it could have a major impact.

 

That person might be Julie McDermid.  The 26 year old from Oconto Falls, WI has won four modified features this year.  I know a lot of gentleman drivers who would call that a career season.  Per the IMCA site Julie is 12^th in the Butler Built North Central region, driving the 2004 Hughes chassis number 1M.  Julie is first in the Lady Eagle points as well.  Julie is obviously a determined competitor, and hopefully her success will open the doors for more lady drivers.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

~ by Ron Meyer on August 10, 2008.