A Woman Pursuing Her Dream

By Susan Kathryn O'Keefe

  Amanda McDermott wants to be a Nextel Cup driver.   She has been pursuing that dream since she was 6 years old, watching the Monster Trucks on TV.  "Next came NASCAR." She and her sister would watch the then Winston Cup races and the dream began.

  At the age of 7, her dad bought her a Go-Kart.   She raced it at Old Dominion and that is where she won her first race ever.

  As she got older, Amanda knew she wanted to go further in racing and she eventually ran Pro Modified Trucks for 3 years. "I raced at South Boston, South Hampton, Jennerstown and Old Dominion.  The last year I ran trucks (before Grand Stocks) I won 3 championships:   Old Dominion, Saturday Night Series and SRL (Nationals).

  Last year was her first at driving Grand Stocks, and she won 1 race.   She loves the sport and puts her heart and soul into every race.  She has built up a fan base and won her second Grand Stock race on May   13, 2006.

  Amanda's favorite track, other than ODS of course, is South Boston.  "It's really smooth and a lot of fun to run at."

  Her family influenced her and helped her to make the decision to drive.   "My family really pushed me to do it because they could see how much I was interested in it."

  Amanda's favorite NASCAR Circuit driver is Mark Martin.   "He's a hard worker, determined and smooth, three of the best qualities to have as a racer.  He is also a favorite among other drivers. They look up to him and respect him and respect is a hard thing to get from other drivers.   He is also one of the cleanest drivers around.  He drives everyone clean and handles his anger very responsibly."

  Her advice to youngsters who wish to get into the sport?    "Never give up on your dreams, be persistent, work hard and set obtainable goals for yourself and your racing team. Push yourself as hard as you can and never stop pushing.   Believe in yourself or others can't believe in you."  "That's something that has taken me a long time to understand."

  Her crews consists of her crew chief Talbot Watts, Lance McDermott, Charlie Cornell, Uncle Jim, Danielle McDermott and Aubrey Hawkins.   Amanda is sponsored by:  Mountain Dew, Hillwood Camping and Ryan Interiors.

  Having all these loyal people behind her, Amanda is making great strives toward achieving her goals of becoming a Nextel Cup driver and being the first woman to win the Daytona 500.

  Way to go, Amanda and good luck in your endeavors.