Racing is in not only her genes, but also in her name itself. Racelyn Rudland is a third-generation driver with a heart for racing and the grit to keep learning and competing. She has a passion for the sport and strives to keep getting better each time she gets her tires on the dirt.

Hometown: Minot, ND

Division: Young Lions

Number: 7

1. How did you get your start in racing?

My whole family on my dad’s side did it; my grandpa and my dad raced, so it has become a generational thing. Plus, I have a cousin that races an IMCA modified.

2. How did you get the number 7?

That was just always my dad’s number, so he passed it on to me when I started racing.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Definitely my dad. I never got to really watch him race, but I have gotten a little at trophy classes and things like that. It is always really cool to watch him race.

4. What is your favorite racing memory?

There was one memory I have of watching my dad win one race, it was really great to see him succeed.

5. How do you get focused before a race?

I just put my helmet on and I say the racer’s prayer and then I am set and ready to go.

6. What is your favorite track and why?

I would say, Southwest Speedway in Dickinson, [North Dakota]. It is just really big and wide and also really high banked. It is really easy to just go fast there and I have learned a lot from that track.

7. What are some of the life lessons racing has taught you?

It has taught me to be confident and that not everything is going to go your way all the time. You are just going to have to fight through and keep trying and never give up. If you give up, then you should not be doing it in the first place.

8. What advice do you have for young girls who want to get started in racing?

My best advice would be that you can do it. It does not matter what other people say, you just have to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, then you can do it. People sometimes forget that girls can do this, too. Yes, it is a male-dominated sport, but I have been able to see so many girls do it and they just have to be confident in themselves and their skill.

9. What is one goal that you have for yourself to improve over the next year?

I really want to get comfortable in my current car now. I had a 1250 [engine] and now I am in an FZ, so this is just a whole new thing. I just really want to gain confidence and get more comfortable with this car and start learning how to really get up there and compete with the big guys.

10. What is one thing you love outside of racing that most people may not know about you?

Outside of racing, I play volleyball, which I love, but racing is definitely my top one. In terms of interests, I love animals, and would love to work with them. I love all animals, except for reptiles because I really do not like snakes.

11. Have you experienced any challenges as a woman in such a male-dominated sport? How do you overcome those?

A lot of boys, even guys that do not race, are quick to comment and say negative things about a girl racing. Especially for the ones that have not been in a racecar, they especially can’t really say anything. But I have to just keep doing my own thing and try to ignore the negatives. Just keep fighting for your place at the table.

12. What are your ultimate racing goals?

I would like to be like Ricky Thornton Jr. or Bobby Pierce on day, but you know, that is a really big goal. Realistically, I just want to continue to learn how to drive and get up there while continuing to improve every day. As I keep pushing to become better, then I will see where it takes me!