A mea culpa.
I’m guilty of sexism, I know better, and I intend to mend my ways.
I called Stroud last Friday to talk about a net for the Midget. A very cheerful lady answered the phone, and I said this –
“Hi, my name is Chris, and I need to talk to somebody about ordering a door net.”
Now Stroud makes nets for every imaginable form of racing – stock cars, drag cars, hot rod tractors - so her next, one word question absolutely floored me.
“Bonneville?”
I asked her how she knew I was racing at Bonneville.
Her reply – “I’m a very good salesperson”.
It was clear she had cards she wasn't showing, but I can't argue with her response.
During this build, dealing with racing parts suppliers around the country and around the world, in what is arguably a very male oriented industry, some of the most insightful and informative help I’ve received has been from women in the industry.
Pegasus Racing in New Berlin, Wisconsin has been another example of women behind the counter who know their stuff.
I’ve been humbled due to my prejudices, and to my wife, my sisters, my mom, I bow my head in shame, I will knock it off, and I will never underestimate women again.