My little Corvette is still cooling in the driveway as I write, having just returned from the Thunder Valley Racing "Women in Racing" event at Laguna Seca Raceway in beautiful Monterey, California. As I reflect upon this whirlwind trip, I can only say, "If you host it, they will come!" In this case, it was women racers, support personnel, businesswomen, and their guests who came from near and far to attend this innovative event. They came from Canada, and the states of Washington, Michigan, and California to name a few, all for the purpose of connecting with and sharing the joy of being a woman in racing. For me, the trip meant the chance to not only connect with women racers, but to meet the visionary man who brought Thunder Valley Racing to reality; T.W. Theodore.

I spent the six-hour drive from my home in Riverside wondering whom I might meet at this exciting event, and truly looking forward to finally meeting "T.W." In my efforts with the Thunder Valley Racing web site, I have developed a deep respect for T.W.'s passion for racing and his commitment to the women of Thunder Valley. In spite of a busy professional schedule, he finds time each month to urge us on, assuring that the stories of women in racing are told. It became obvious to me at this event though, that perhaps the greatest gift he has given to us is his unique ability to create opportunities for women racers to connect with and support each other.

As we shared stories and made new friends that afternoon, I felt a synergy developing among the group. For me, it's that feeling you have when you finally meet someone who truly understands your passion for racing. Through Thunder Valley Racing we have discovered that women racers are unique, and that we are scattered across the country and around the globe.

Over the last three years, the dream of one person, the efforts of a team, and the wonder of technology have brought us "virtually" together through the Thunder Valley Racing web site. Set against the backdrop of the sounds of American Le Mans Series cars racing down the front stretch at Laguna Seca, we came together as individuals, as women, and as the men who share our passion and who support our racing dreams. The event was truly enjoyable, and special appreciation goes to SCRAMP general manager Gill Campbell and to all SCRAMP officials for generously supporting this event. I can only hope that we will have the opportunity to attend "Women in Racing" events at other tracks across the country. Kudos and thank you T.W. for bringing the vision to reality!