Time: Preseason 2007
Place: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
Event: ARCA Testing

"They have faith in their equipment and faith in their crew."

It takes practice to compete and move up in the male-dominated world of motorsports. A female winning a NASCAR or IndyCar race might have seemed impossible a decade ago but sanctions are presently eager for diversity among their high ranks.

Gabi DiCarlo is one among many hopeful female drivers facing learning curves and high dollars that define motorports reality. She knows her role and is eager with her opportunities.

The measure for all drivers is production. Sooner or later results must justify the seat placement.

Dwight asked Gabi DiCarlo:

Do you think motorsports champions have common traits and skills? If so, can you identify a few?
"Oh yeah, definitely. The first is probably competitive and confidence is huge. That's what I've been learning from these guys. They know they can run with these guys. They have faith in their equipment and faith in their crew. I think that's the biggest thing."

How do you feel you are doing in your Rookie year?
"This is my rookie year and I'm enjoying it a lot. We've done the whole season and every race has been better. I'm kind of bummed out when it's the last race. I'm looking forward to next year. We have big plans for next year."

Do race car drivers ever stop learning?
"Oh no. I think Mark Martin is still learning. I watched him in the last race and he said they were trying things on his car that they had never done before just to see what it did. Just to have fun, so I don't think you ever stop learning. You could race forever."

Focus is important. Is there a secret to focusing?
"You know I think all drivers have their own little rituals on how they focus like sitting in qualifying. I just try and picture myself hanging on and try to picture the track when I'm in back waiting. That's how I focus. I think it's pretty common for every driver."

If a female can compete in motorsports right now they become a valuable commodity for sanctions eager to promote diversity. Do you have a comment on that?
"Definitely. We're a huge commodity. Diversity in general and NASCAR's diversity program for not only girls but minorities. It's a huge commodity and they're pushing it pretty hard. I think it's kind of tough for the girls because sometimes the girls are being pushed too far past their limit. I think that's a big problem."