Women enjoy turns on track

Frankfort’s Wendy O’Brien admitted that she was scared when she first climbed into husband Mike’s Sport Four Renault Alliance at Hermon’s Speedway 95.

Not any more.

In fact, she’s counting the days until next year’s racing season begins.

The mother of four has had the time of her life in the Wednesday night Ladies Sport division. The last race was held this week.

It is believed to be the first time there has ever been a woman’s class at Speedway 95 although there has been a powder puff race for women once a year.

“I never thought that much of racing. I didn’t think I’d like it. But once I gave it a shot, I couldn’t wait for Wednesday night every week. I’m hoping and praying they change their minds and have another night of racing this year. I love it,” said the 32-year-old O’Brien, whose husband was a first-year racer in the Little Enduro class.

They drove the same Renault Alliance Mike O’Brien’s sister, Lisa, sold to him for $50.

O’Brien enjoys the competition and took a basic philosophy to the track every Wednesday night.

“I went out, had fun and did whatever I could,” said O’Brien who claimed three seconds and two thirds.

She said her husband was supportive and Mike O’Brien said he is proud of his wife’s accomplishment.

“She’s better than I am. She won all the trophies,” he chuckled. “She’s a good little driver.”

Mike O’Brien added that he wasn’t surprised that his wife fell in love with the sport.

“I knew as soon as she got behind the wheel, she’d take right to it. Just like I did,” said O’Brien, who pointed out that his wife has also been willing to help him work on the car and has been an attentive listener when he’s given her suggestions.

Yet another racing family has been Milton and Sherry Ketch of Olamon.

Milton races in the Super Street division and Sherry made her debut in the women’s division.

“It’s exciting. I’ve enjoyed it more than I thought I would,” said Sherry Ketch who has won a race in her Mazda and finished third in another of her three outings.

A death in the family has prevented her from racing in recent weeks.

So what prompted Sherry Ketch to give racing a try?

“My husband talked me into it,” said Ketch, who admitted that it usually takes her a few laps to get used to the car.

The women have heat races prior to their 10-lap final.

Carol Gray, one of the scorers at Speedway 95, said 14 women have entered the women’s division at one time or another this year.

The fields have ranged from five to 12 cars.

“The girls all seem to like it,” said Gray, who added that the women drove gradually faster over the course of the season as they gained confidence in their abilities.