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Industry Pros Deliver Inspiration During 2016 PRI Show
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"It's possible to have a career in motorsports" was the recurring theme during two key events Friday morning at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis.
"If this is something that you truly want to do, you've got to become better at what you do and never stop," said professional driver, fabricator, and TV personality Jessi Combs during the PRI-sponsored "Women In Motorsports" seminar at the Indiana Convention Center.
Combs, former IndyCar driver and 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Lyn St. James, Roush Yates Engines Quality Manager Jennifer LaFever, and Car Chix and Crank It Media Owner/founder Jeanette DesJardins spoke to a standing-room-only crowd about opportunities for women in racing and advancing female participation in the trade.
"Once you get anything — free product, fee entry fees — whatever you get, you got to give something in return. It's a business proposition," said St. James while discussing the racer/sponsor relationship. "Once you get into a professional sponsorship, you’ve got to figure what you can deliver to them to enable you to get where you want to go."
LaFever and DesJardins, too, shared advice about succeeding in a male-dominated industry.
"When someone says they want to help you and they want to give you an opportunity, do it, follow up. Don't think they're just having pity," said LaFever. "Definitely take advantage when you get an offer."
"Some opportunities are once-in-a-lifetime; don't let them pass you by," added DesJardins. "There are really good people out there who are very genuine, who lead with their heart, and are trying to make a difference and help you."
In another packed room, top students from throughout the country took part in PRI's first-ever Student Breakfast, where they had the opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of professionals and personalities, including NASCAR driver David Ragan, on turning a passion into a career.
"Have a backup plan, but have your goals set high on what you want to do," said Ragan. "Work hard where you are at right now, but always be looking at that next step, your next goal."
Patrick Donahue, BK Racing crew chief, concurred: "If you guys really want to do it, you can have a great life in racing. You have to set a goal of what you want to be. Give 100 percent in everything you do."
"If this is something that you truly want to do, you've got to become better at what you do and never stop," said professional driver, fabricator, and TV personality Jessi Combs during the PRI-sponsored "Women In Motorsports" seminar at the Indiana Convention Center.
Combs, former IndyCar driver and 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Lyn St. James, Roush Yates Engines Quality Manager Jennifer LaFever, and Car Chix and Crank It Media Owner/founder Jeanette DesJardins spoke to a standing-room-only crowd about opportunities for women in racing and advancing female participation in the trade.
"Once you get anything — free product, fee entry fees — whatever you get, you got to give something in return. It's a business proposition," said St. James while discussing the racer/sponsor relationship. "Once you get into a professional sponsorship, you’ve got to figure what you can deliver to them to enable you to get where you want to go."
LaFever and DesJardins, too, shared advice about succeeding in a male-dominated industry.
"When someone says they want to help you and they want to give you an opportunity, do it, follow up. Don't think they're just having pity," said LaFever. "Definitely take advantage when you get an offer."
"Some opportunities are once-in-a-lifetime; don't let them pass you by," added DesJardins. "There are really good people out there who are very genuine, who lead with their heart, and are trying to make a difference and help you."
In another packed room, top students from throughout the country took part in PRI's first-ever Student Breakfast, where they had the opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of professionals and personalities, including NASCAR driver David Ragan, on turning a passion into a career.
"Have a backup plan, but have your goals set high on what you want to do," said Ragan. "Work hard where you are at right now, but always be looking at that next step, your next goal."
Patrick Donahue, BK Racing crew chief, concurred: "If you guys really want to do it, you can have a great life in racing. You have to set a goal of what you want to be. Give 100 percent in everything you do."
