Être Interview with NASCAR Racer Julia Landauer

Ê: We saw that you're going to compete in 3 races in the 2018 NASCAR Pinty's Series Championship and we're so excited! After winning a NASCAR Track Championship in 2015, being the highest finishing female in the K&N series history and being the only female member of the NASCAR Next class of 2016-2017, do you still get nervous before big races like these? Does being a woman make you more or less nervous...or does it not make any difference at all?

JL: I always get nervous before races! If I don’t feel nervous, that means I’m not mentally in the right space. Everyone invests so much time and effort and energy into racing, and I approach each race with the sole purpose of winning. It’s very nerve-racking in the best way. I don’t think being a woman makes a difference in nerve levels. I think most great athletes feel some kind of nerves before competition.

Ê: You were really close to our age when you became the first (and youngest) female champion in the Skip Barber Racing Series at age 14 - what would you tell girls today who are fascinated by racing but, because of our age, don't get a chance to learn about it? How can girls get more exposure to racing or start competing at a young age?

JL: I think the key to getting involved in anything is to do your homework about it, research it, read magazines, read online articles, there are books on racing, etc. The thing that sets racing apart from a lot of other sports is the high cost to compete, but there are groups that give scholarships and grants to girls in sports and girls in motorsports.

I also think it’s important to reach out to the people/adults around you for help. If your parents aren’t the right people, then maybe teachers or counselors or aunts/uncles, people who can help with all of the logistics and planning. Never be afraid to ask for help!

Ê: You also graduated from Stanford where you studied science and tech, and we heard you have a huge interest in STEM. How does STEM intersect with racing and what advice do you have for motivated girls who love STEM subjects but don't always have access to the right resources? Do you have any favorite STEM challenges that would be appropriate for girls our age?

JL: Racing is a technology-centric sport, we’re literally maneuvering machines to make them go as fast as possible. There’s a lot of physics, chemistry, engineering, and mechanics that go into building a racecar, setting it up properly, and driving it. As drivers we have to give feedback for what we want changed on the car and the crew chief/lead engineer has to translate that into technical changes the mechanics have to make. It’s really cool!

As for getting involved, I’d recommend doing research on what programs your school may have for STEM fields, what camps you could attend, what camps have scholarships, (i.e. Girls Who Code), and look into tech kits that you can find in stores. If your school doesn’t have a club in place for the type of STEM subjects you want to work on, suggest they start one!

It’s important to take initiative and create something where you think there might be a void.