Picture: Lori Rothmuller takes to the West Course of the 2014 Tire Rack Solo National Championships. (Rupert Berrington)

Lincoln, Neb. (Sept. 2, 2014) – Lori Rothmuller, of Sunnyvale, California, could be the role model for any aspiring racer – female or male, young or old. The 21-year-old is competing in only her second Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships event, but has already made waves in the Solo community.

Rothmuller was one of two recipients of the first Wendi Allen Scholarship, which is given to young, female Soloists who show exceptional skill behind the wheel to help further their participation in the sport. The selections for this award were made by a group of women who have become icons in the sport, in their own right – Tara Johns, Beth McClure-Strelnieks, Denise Cashmore, Shelly Monfort and Patty Tunnell.

"To me, winning the scholarship meant that these women who are titanic in the sport saw that I may be able to be like them one day," Rothmuller said. "The Wendi Allen program is all about grooming young female drivers to compete at a high level. It was such a personal honor for me to be chosen."

While the argument can be made that Solo isn’t as male dominated as other forms of motorsports, the competitor base is still a majority male. While Rothmuller is making observers from around the sport take notice of her driving talent, the University of California-Davis student is striving to be a true ambassador for motorsports through driver coaching. "I love instructing, whenever I can find the time to do it," Rothmuller said. "If I could instruct, or race, as a profession it would be awesome. I love competing, and it will always be a hobby, if nothing else.

"With my schedule, it’s just tough to find the time to instruct. I have done a little with other organizations, but would like to broaden my experiences. Sometimes it’s tough being a young female instructor. Some students aren’t keen on listening to driving advice from a younger person, much less a woman, and I’m fine with that."

While she is able to understand that point of view, Rothmuller’s passion for teaching others about the sport she enjoys shines through.

"I’d like to think it has a little to do with breaking down some barriers and stereotypes," Rothmuller said. "I think most people expect to have an older, male teacher who has been doing this for a long time. Regardless of experience, everyone can still learn something new. I like to think I can teach a thing or two, as well.

"Whether it is sitting in the driver’s seat, or the passenger seat, I just like to work with people to help them get better. That goes back to my family and how I grew up. We just did a lot of stuff together, and I really enjoy bringing that same energy when I instruct."

Aside from training motorsports enthusiasts, Rothmuller also is a trainer for the UC-Davis bus system.

"We are talking real 40-foot busses, and completely student-run," Rothmuller said. "I absolutely love it.

"Some people may think that driving a 40-foot bus could somehow help me on the Solo course, but the wheelbase is just so much different," Rothmuller said with a laugh. "However, I’m sure getting used to knowing exactly where your vehicle is at all times is helpful when racing."

Rothmuller finished in the Street Touring Xtreme Ladies class Wednesday in 10th place.