(02/19/13) - While NASCAR is still a male-dominated sport, women are slowly embracing racing, especially now that Danica Patrick is once again making a name for herself.
The sound of clippers are not the only "buzz" going on at Octane, a race-inspired salon in Clio. Here you can find local race car driver and receptionist Hanna Christensen.
"I started in a four-cylinder called the Hornet. I won the championship my first year racing. I moved up to a bomber class, which was a 1977 Caprice, finished sixth in points. Now I race a late model."
Crystal Matteson, a stylist at the salon, competes in local demolition derbies and other races.
"I've done the "Enduro" once and almost hit the wall. I got taken out. I've done the "Powder Puff" and I won that last year," she said.
Mid-Michigan female drivers embrace the sport, just like Danica Patrick. "I love the adrenaline you get. I like being able to beat all the guys. I'm the only girl in my class and I'm pretty competitive."
So far, Patrick's highest finish of her career in NASCAR is forth place at the 2011 Las Vegas Motor Speedway. If she wins at Daytona, she will join the ranks of legends such as Richard Petty, Buddy Baker and Cale Yarborough. Both local ladies are happy to see Patrick rising to the top and giving the guys a run for their money.
"A lot of women don't like racing, perhaps, but I think it's a good thing for women to start watching, now that they know a girl is starting on the pole," Matteson said.
"I think it gives it a lot of visibility and awareness because its not too often that a girl gets out there and more competitive for the sport," Christensen said.
Winning from the pole won't be easy. Only nine racers have won the Daytona 500 from the number 1 slot. The latest was Dale Jarret, back in 2000.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-18 09:00:45 GMT
(05/17/13) - There was a serious one-car accident on the Genesee-Shiawassee County Line, Friday. It happened on Sheridan Road, near Baldwin, shortly after 4:30. Officers believe the car went out of
There was a serious one-car accident on the Genesee-Shiawassee County Line, Friday.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:16 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:16:13 GMT
(05/17/2013) After nearly two weeks, Buena Vista students are officially headed back to school. School officials mady the announced Friday night that classed will start on Monday and the school year will
After nearly two weeks, Buena Vista students are officially headed back to school.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:05:14 GMT
(05/17/13) - It was an almost unbelievable series of events involving a Flint boy named Britt Kellum.He shot and killed two of his own brothers, in the span of about five years, and all before he was even
(05/17/13) - It was an almost unbelievable series of events involving a Flint boy named Britt Kellum.He shot and killed two of his own brothers, in the span of about five years, and all before he was even
Friday, May 17 2013 6:41 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:41:42 GMT
We don't often hear of a school building re-opening - but that's what a mid-Michigan district will do in September. A return to financial health will allow Bentley to resume classes at the Middle School.Four
We don't often hear of a school building re-opening - but that's what a Mid-Michigan district will do in September.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:40:23 GMT
(05/17/13) - A big blow to a Flint Police program providing structure for kids.Parts from four rooftop heating and cooling units were stolen from the Haskell Youth Center - the building the Flint Police
(05/17/13) - A big blow to a Flint Police program providing structure for kids.Parts from four rooftop heating and cooling units were stolen from the Haskell Youth Center - the building the Flint Police
Friday, May 17 2013 6:39 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:39:47 GMT
(WJRT) - A child, under the age of ten, brings a gun to Sunday school.Investigators say the weapon was brought to a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, in the 2400 of King Road, in Bridgeport
A child, under the age of 10, brought a gun to Sunday school.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:35:15 GMT
(05/17/13) - The Board of Trustees at Central Michigan University has approved an additional $350,000 in funding for the planning and design for phase 1 of construction on its new medical schools in
The Board of Trustees at Central Michigan University has approved an additional $350,000 in funding for the planning and design for phase 1 of construction on its new medical schools in Saginaw.
