MORE Damzl Powder Puff Race Recap
by Amber Wasserburger

Saturday October 14th may not go down in the typical history books as anything spectacular, but for the women (and men) of the off road industry , it was a dynamic event. The M.O.R.E./Damzl Powder Puff Race for the Cure, in Barstow CA, was the largest and first all-female sanctioned race since 1974. Pulling into the pits, it was evident that this would be a history changing event, from the Damzl flags waving high, to the overwhelming female presence around the camps. According to Heather Birdwell from Damzl, the turnout was comparable to the M.O.R.E. Freedom 250 night race, which is the biggest race of the season. M.O.R.E. reported over 140 entries, with 86 cars racing Saturday. This was more than just a race, it was a chance for women of all ages and character to come together, fight the battle against breast cancer, and prove their abilities in an industry dominated by men. It was our turn to shine.

Waking up Saturday morning, there was a quiet calm to the pits. To our surprise, few men were awake and functioning (probably due to the mass consumption of beer the night before). As El Ranas said on RDC, “The ladies drive, the men drink.” The women all gathered around the M.O.R.E. trailer, laughing, holding hands, anxiously awaiting their induction for the day, as “Racers for the Cure”. A sea of pink and smiles asked questions, and were warned, that although women are by nature more vicious than men, intentional nerfing would not be acceptable. After all, according to Dennis Slaten, “We’re not here to smash them, we’re here to save them” (boobs, that is). Never in my experience at a race, have I noticed more of a feeling of togetherness, support, or appreciation for the sport and the opportunity that lay ahead for these women.

It was more than obvious that these ladies meant business, from paint jobs to race suits, female attitude was abundant: #744 driven by Wendi Evans, was adorned with pink ribbon and flowers, pink flames blazed up the hood of Blue Coyote’s #797, A Women’s restroom sign displayed on Marlene Nixon’s #944 car, and then there was team 1106’s theme of “Save the Tatas”. The men showed their support by prepping, pitting, and “repping” shirts decorated with pink logos such as “I love Boobies” and “Pit Bitch”. There was even rumored to be a team of hairy-legged, dress and skirt-sporting, drag queens pitting for these wonderful ladies.

The course was typical of your average desert race course, full of action packed drop-offs, sand washes, and “rollers”, conditions uncommon to some of the women out there. Veteran racers dominated the course, pumping out incredible lap times. Those that pre-ran felt comfortable with the course and pushed the limits of the cars and themselves. First time drivers took it slow and easy, making sure that a wrong turn wouldn’t end their day. Driver Lauren Brogger said, “Coming into the race I was excited to race. Once contingency rolled around I realized I was actually racing, I started to get nervous. A few of the guys started scaring me and telling me not to roll the truck so that became my biggest fear. My expectations coming into the race was to finish and do at least three laps. We finished fourth place with three laps completed, so I was happy”. Overall, it was a successful race for many. There were no major injuries, one noted roll-over, a few mishaps such as a broken trailing arm mount and lost battery, the usual wear and tear, etc. Jim Clements reported that the girls ran an average of 46 to 48 miles per hour; most men in M.O.R.E. races average about 49 to 51 mph. Just goes to show that we have the “cajones” to compete in the industry, too. Heather Birdwell co-drove the #132 Damzl Class 1 car with friend Jenzl and reported, “We allowed another team to win by us changing co-drivers five times. In the end we were happy finish second and do it with class”. They also had the fastest lap time of the day.

After the racing was over and done with, there was a sense of accomplishment and success in the air, as women gathered to recap the days’ events with their families, friends, and other racers. Damzl provided music, a BBQ, and an awards ceremony full of enthsiastic clapping, cheering and even some joyful tears. The BBQ went through 1440 lbs. Of meat. On that note, according to Jim Clements, they raised over $51,000 for the Cedar Sinai Hospital Breast Cancer Research Center.

Damzl and M.O.R.E. did an incredible job coordinating and producing an event that will be remembered as life-changing and empowering, for women, and their presence in the off road industry. They received such a positive response to the event, that many said it was the best race M.O.R.E. has put on, and that next year will draw more people and even some celebrities. And yes, ladies, the event has potential to be an annual event, with next year’s date of October 14, already decided. Many first-time racers now have the fever, they understand the rush and glory in desert racing, and hope to race again, or possibly on a regular basis. Veteran racers hopefully took home a new memory, a new outlook on racing. Jim Clements has been told he has created a monster, that many women are eager to team up with their husbands during the regular season. And who could blame them?

Heather Birdwell of Damzl feels, “In general, this race was an excellent way to pay tribute to anyone who has fought the battle of breast cancer. This race also gave the other half of most race teams, the women, a day in the limelight. Which is good not only for women, but great for the sport! I am so proud to have been a part of it!” According to Ashley Brobeck, co-driver in the #1455 truck, “Women are excelling in the off road industry with each and every day, either a new product comes out, or even a new product is being made, a woman probably had something to do with it. It makes me happy in my heart and soul to be able to be a part of something so extreme and popular. Off road racing is a world-wide sport, and I am a woman who has competed in such an event!”. And finally, Lauren Brogger recaps, “The most important aspect about this race is that we raised over $50,000 for breast cancer doing something we all love. If more people could put together events like this, I feel the world would be a much better place”.

So to these, and other women in the off road industry, October 14, 2006, was a momentous occasion. It was a gathering of strength, beauty, and joy, a time for congratulations, and even remembrance for those loved ones lost to breast cancer. And remembrance for the Original Damzl, Holly Gorrell. Until next time, have fun out there, keep your five-points on, and enjoy the best sport in the world!

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