| Summer at the Races |
06.04.12 |
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Sophomore chemistry major Kaitie McCardle plays a unique sport, one of the few not offered at LVC. Nearly every weekend from the end of March until the end of September she can be found at the track, specifically the racetrack at Big Diamond Speedway in Pottsville, Pa. McCardle is a racecar driver and this will be her ninth season racing with a crew consisting of her parents and her younger brother.
McCardle is a resident student at LVC, studying chemistry full-time. She played rugby during the fall semester, but in the spring she raced. Despite the hard work involved in being a full-time student, McCardle made time for her love of racing. “In the beginning of the season I was racing on Friday nights,” she explained, “I would have to leave right after my classes ended at two and drive home.”
What makes McCardle’s story especially distinctive is that she is the only girl racing a sportsman modified car in Pennsylvania. She explained that she and her family have always tried to “down-play the whole ‘female driver’ thing. I have always told people that I am a racecar driver who just happens to be a girl,” McCardle emphasized. Regardless of her unique position, McCardle is good at what she does. So far this season she has taken second place twice and sixth place once. “We’ve had a few other finishes in the top 10 so far as well,” she said.
When asked what it feels like to race, McCardle said it’s difficult to explain. “It’s really quiet when I’m racing,” she reflected, “You’d think it would be loud with all the motors running and people talking over the radio, but that all gets blocked out.” McCardle says she feels comfortable when she’s racing thanks to an excellent crew.
New this year, McCardle and her crew will be racing at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., the premier track in the state. She is grateful for her family’s support and the support of all her sponsors. To view more photos, learn more about McCardle and her sport, and view her racing schedule, visit her website at www.kaitiemccardle.com.
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