Penelope Carlisle is focused on achieving big things this year in the Outlaws Division. Through the guidance and mentorship of her family and team, Rapp Racing, she is striving for success in her life, both on and off the track.
Hometown: Spotsylvania, VA
Division: Outlaws
Number: 38
Team: Rapp Racing
1. How did you get your start in racing?
My dad always had four-wheelers around because we live in the country, so I always had fast things around and as a kid that is kind of what I grew up with. I would just ride those around all the time and then one day I got really bored and said to my dad that the four-wheeler was not fast enough. Then he called Robert Bruce to ask him about racing and all and then he hooked us up with a Bando.
2. How did you pick the number 38?
My older brothers both played baseball and the younger one’s number was 38. I have always kind of looked up to him, so I took his number.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I think my dad is just because he works really hard and he started from the ground up. So, I really want to follow his footsteps and just try to be successful on my own someday.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
Oh wow, there’s a lot to choose from! I will probably say my first win at Charlotte [Motor Speedway] last year because that season was kind of chaotic. I think it boosted my confidence a lot for the rest of the season.
5. How do you get focused before a race?
A lot of people notice this at the track, but every single time when I am at the track, I always have one or both of my AirPods in. Music really calms me down and it helps me to get in that space where I am calm and relaxed instead of freaking out over a race. It ranges from country to Fleetwood Mac, but mostly I listen to rap.
6. What is your favorite track?
I would say Charlotte [Motor Speedway]. I like the way it's really smooth and it's a really fun track overall.
7. What challenges did you face at the new, shortened Dominion Raceway road course?
I really liked the new track, but it was definitely a challenge to just find my points and get my marks right. I ended up with a second place and third place finish, so I’d say it went pretty good and definitely fun. I like road courses a lot because it gives me some different challenges than oval courses.
8. Do you have a favorite professional racecar driver?
In NASCAR, I always root for Christopher Bell because I feel like he is an overall good driver and has pretty good finishes; I really like the way he races. Also, I like Carson Hocevar. He has his ups and downs, but I still like him a lot and I like the way he presents himself.
9. What are your ultimate racing goals?
One day, I want to race in the CARS Tour because I really like the idea of traveling and adventuring out and exploring new things. Eventually, the goal is to move up into actual NASCAR stuff.
10. If you were asked to design a racetrack, what type would you build?
I think I would do a roval kind of track because I like both [road and oval], but I think having both in one would be really cool.
11. What is the biggest lesson you have learned from racing?
Be patient and just be kind. There are a lot of crazy people out there, so I think if you just are kind then it will get you a lot of places in life.
12. What destination would you love to visit, for vacation or racing?
I feel like there are so many I could say! I have always wanted to go to Hawaii because it is just so beautiful. I see videos all the time and think it is so pretty. Really, I just love the beach.