Driving through the Glass Ceiling: Jessica Brannam

To believe in yourself and to follow your dreams, to have goals in life and a drive to succeed, and to surround yourself with the things and the people that make you happy — this is success!-Sasha Azevedo

Welcome, welcome one and all, to my new series for foxes in the henhouse: "Driving through the Glass Series."

These articles will focus on young, talented female racers trying to make their way into the male dominated world of racing. Enjoy!

It was the year 2000 when then-10-year-old Jessica Brannam began her racing career. And she took to it like, well, car on a racetrack— it was simply destiny.

She's had 21 undefeated season championships, and 44 total titles since she began racing.

Brannam has also won over 200 feature races, and was the only female driver to be named the Badger Kart Club's (http://www.badgerkartclub.com/) "Driver of the Year."

Making even more history, Brannam was the first woman to ever win a WIMS feature race.

Brannam, who began racing Sprint cars in 2005, also completed her NASCAR rookie test just last year.

Oh, and did I mention she holds wins at tracks like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway? Pretty cool for a girl who became old enough to vote just last year!

According to her website, www.jessicabrannam.com, she's has "several opportunities for 2009," and hopes to update fans on what's next in her already successful racing career soon.

On her resume, Brannam says her ultimate goal is "to become a season champion in a major racing series."

With all the things she's already accomplished, I have no doubt that we'll see Brannam do exactly that.

"I will do whatever it takes to reach my goal, while at the same time maintaining my morality and dignity. I am fully dedicated, loyal and committed to my sponsors, my race team and the fans at all times." -Jessica Brannam