Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Celebrates Women In Motorsports

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Photo: Ryan Carignan

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (BMMCGP) and Women in Motorsports North America recognized female motorsports industry members, and the men who support them, this weekend in Victory Circle.

Additionally, two scholarships were awarded to BMMCGP employees in memory of Dr. Rose Mattioli. A trailblazer for women and families in motorsports, the late Dr. Rose and her husband, Dr. Joseph “Doc” Mattioli, co-founded Pocono Raceway in 1968, a family-owned-and-operated business.

“It’s a privilege for us to be able to honor women trailblazers, like Dr. Rose Mattioli, with the creation of a scholarship for women in motorsports to this year’s Women with Drive III Summit this fall,” said Matt Crews, CEO of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “Additionally, Rose’s son, Joe, was instrumental in starting what is now known as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. So to honor his contribution and her legacy was important to us. As a father of a daughter who can look at a career in motorsports, it is really important that we raise awareness with prospects, and it goes back to pioneers like Dr. Rose who helped forge opportunities.”

Crews was joined by Big Machine Music City Grand Prix’s President & COO Jason Rittenberry and EVP Liz Allison along with Joe Mattioli and Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of Women in Motorsports North America, to present scholarships to two multi-year employees of Music City Grand Prix Molly Hayes and Sarah Wahlstrom. Hayes is the Client Services Manager, and Wahlstrom is the Operations Administration Manager. Hayes and Wahlstrom both started as interns for the organization.

“Rose was so special and cared about all families,” said Allison. “I know many of us really miss her, and she’s left quite the legacy. It’s really exciting for us to be able to send two women to the summit in Phoenix, and I’m thrilled to be standing here with Cindy Sisson and Jason Rittenberry today to be able to honor the winners and celebrate all women and the men who support us in motorsports today.”

Pictured (L-R): Matt Crews, Sarah Wahlstrom, Molly Hayes and Jason Rittenberry. Photo: Michael Levitt

As part of its commitment to supporting and enhancing opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines, Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) created the Women with Drive Summit. Attendees include industry executives, drivers, team members, manufacturers, sponsors, race track representatives and anyone working in the sport or wanting to learn more. The inaugural summit was held during the BMMCGP weekend in Aug. 2021.

“My mother was constantly fighting for ‘Women’s Rights’ long before it was popular and won numerous awards for her efforts,” said Joe Mattioli. “While my dad was an incredible businessman, my mother taught me important life lessons about honesty, bravery, hard work, compassion, family values, not being afraid to fail, treating everyone with respect, and much more.”

Hayes and Wahlstrom will now have the opportunity to gather with industry leaders from across all forms of motorsports to discuss current issues and network during the two-day summit slated for Nov. 7-8 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona following the final NASCAR Cup Series race of the season.

“This is an amazing day, and I’m so happy for the recipients,” said Sisson. “It all started here, and I have to credit Matt. He called me before his inaugural race and told me to ‘think big’ because so few people promote women in motorsports, so we thought big and held our first conference here in Nashville two years ago. I’m very thankful that Matt and his team are honoring these women and partnering with our organization.”

Steven Boero
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