Female Driver's Passion for Racing Goes Beyond Thrills and Adrenaline Rushes

Marybeth Kiczenski is an avid car enthusiast and racer from the Chicagoland Area, originally from Trenton, Michigan.  Her love for cars and racing go beyond thrills and adrenaline rushes, we’re talking all the way down to automotive engineering baby!
She currently owns two — yes, we said 2 — blue 1995 Eagle Talons!  Both are able to drive on the street, however, one is track tuned and set on tuner beast mode.  The track geared Talon is a Turbo 4G63 that was dynoed at 343HP to the wheels on 110 octane race fuel.  Marybeth’s best ET to date is an 11.7 at 116MPH in the quarter mile.  In addition, Marybeth’s talon has been previously featured in Modified Magazine and has earned a number of trophies at local car shows.
Marybeth’s Talon was also a contender in the legendary Hot Rod Drag Week back in 2013. “The car was driven by my boyfriend, whose own car could not make the trip,”Marybeth explains,”I consider that to be a testament to the durability of the current setup!”
Last year proved to be a trying year for Marybeth and her car.  She had changed her clutch set up in the Talon and the effort did not hold up to her expectations. “The car ran flawlessly for years on its old setup.  It was only switched out of caution, since the car was now making more power than the clutch was rated for,” Marybeth explained,”I wish I would have left it in, as the entire summer was really spent fighting issue with the new setup than racing.”

Even after Marybeth’s struggles last year with the new setup, she was still able to squeeze a 11.9 run in by the end of the season during the Import Face Off Event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
Marybeth has a deep passion for automobiles and motorsports.  “On the emotional side,  I love the freedom a car gives you.  You can hop in and go just about anywhere at anytime!  The adrenaline rush of racing adds a whole other level to the automobile experience.   The combination of those two aspects is what really keeps me going,” Marybeth explained,”On a more tangible level, the engineering and design elements that go into making cars also intrigues me.   Take the new Challenger/Charger Hellcat; 707 horsepower and completely street-able.  That is one incredible feat of engineering.” 
Marybeth supports other women in motorsports and encourages those that are interested in becoming involved.   “My advice to other women involved with motorsports is to not be afraid.  Just go for it!  Don’t let anyone else tell yout otherwise.  I have found that most people in the sport are actually supportive and just plain awesome.”
That – they are!  Marybeth is currently working on a new turbo build for her track driven Talon.  She is aiming for the 10’s this upcoming season and we are sure with her drive, dedication and passion that she will achieve it.  Good-luck in 2015!