The field of Chili Bowl drivers grows nearly every year, however, female participation is still low in comparison to men.
In 2016, only a handful of women are competing against the other 339 male drivers, but many women are fighting to beat their counterparts within the male dominated sport of racing.
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Morgan Frewaldt, 19, has raced less than a year, but feels encouraged seeing other female drivers on the track.
“I would just say you don’t have to be a guy. You can be a girl. You can do just as good, or even better. If you look at some of the girls out here (like) Shannon McQueen and all of them. She has a whole girl racing team and she does amazing every year.”
All one needs to enter into the Chili Bowl competition would be a $200.00 entry check, drivers license and midget race car.
The simple standard of qualifications involves many families to enter within the race to beat one another.
Mike Melton’s son and daughter are both racing in this year’s Chili Bowl and he says the subtle differences between the two creates a healthy sibling rivalry.
“She’s my smooth driver, my consistent driver. He’s more aggressive and takes a few more chances. A lot of the time her smoothness gets her where she needs to be."
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