Kelly Song in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Going to Charlotte was such a great experience,” said Song. “I loved getting to meet other women that have experienced similar things in the motorsports industry.”

Song and others were able to attend races, talk with drivers in their paddock areas, and hear from women in the industry. They met with Tony Stewart Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and toured the GM Tech Center. Here they were able to see their different series cars, simulators, and the company’s office culture too.

Kelly Song with Tanmaee Ledalla, the other scholarship recipient from Purdue.

“It was really refreshing seeing so many women in positions of leadership,” said Song. “There were a lot more than I expected. It was also nice to see people my age pursuing careers in motorsports. I enjoyed getting to talk with them too.”

Song is currently the telemetry lead for the Endurance Racing Club at Purdue. The team purchased a car that they are currently working to repair and race in different autocross events. She is also part of the Sim Racing Club, where she does data analysis on metrics like lap time, throttle, brake temperature, and wheel speed.

“This scholarship really gave me hope that I can pursue a career in motorsports and that I’ll have the support to do it too,” said Song.

With time left in her college career, Song hopes to secure an internship in the racing or automotive industry to further explore both routes. Her dream is to work for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or in Formula E, improving battery systems.

Writer: Julia Davis, juliadavis@purdue.edu