Join us in welcoming Natalie Hirschfield as Ms. April! Natalie Hirschfield of Hirschfield Family Motorsports is an official Member of Car Chix and the April feature in the 2018 Car Chix Calendar. Natalie has been a long-time member and supporter of Car Chix and is also a mentor in the Car Chix Mentorship Program. She earned her calendar spot and April feature after placing in the top 12 during our 2017 Women of Motorsports Contest (Read: Record Breaking Women of Motorsports Contest Takes Over the Internet)!
A Document Control Specialist by day and a racer by night. You can find Natalie Hirschfield tearing up race tracks prominently throughout the Midwest in her Chevy powered 1991 Ford Mustang.
If you don’t see her at the track — she might be bowling! Yes, that’s right, Natalie is also a competitive bowler! As much as we joke with her about it — it’s actually pretty extraordinary seeing as I can’t even get the ball past the gutter with the help of the bumper lanes.
Although Natalie didn’t officially begin racing until 2008, automotive and motorsports have been a part of her life since she can remember. Her Father was a mechanic and some of Natalie’s earliest memories are being in the garage with her Father and attending car shows. After she met Dave, her now Husband, they begin building her first race car.
Depending on if the track or classes are running 1/8th mile or 1/4 mile, Natalie Hirschfield competes in the 6.50 or 10.20 index classes. She is a regular contender in OSCA (Outlaw Street Car Association / Midwest Index Series / Xtreme Outlaw Series (XOS). She has also won a number of Car Chix Ladies Only Drag Races.
“Going fast is a plus but challenging myself to be able to take on the responsibility to run my own race program for the last 2 years has been awesome. I have learned so much about myself and my car. Our race program is a direct reflection of our dedication to this sport.”
Year, after year, Natalie has proven to be a well-rounded and successful racer. She is passionate and determined. With Transpro Transmissions and Rhyne Competition Engines in her corner; there is no doubt that this year will only be bigger and better.
Some of Natalie’s racing highlights include a number of 6.50 and 10.20 index wins and closing out the year as the 2017 OSCA 6.50 index points champion! Not only did Natalie win the point championship, so did her Husband in a separate class. Not to mention, Natalie’s Father-in-Law came in 2nd place. If that’s not a prime example of the family racing together and teamwork then I don’t know what is!
“I always say respect will get you far in this sport. In this sport (drag racing), especially being a woman, you have to respect not only yourself, but others in this sport. I go to every race knowing I will go out of my way to say hello to my competitors and get to know them so they realize that I am a serious competitor and can do everything they can. “
Some of Natalie’s race ready playlists include a wide range of music from 50’s era to Skrillex. Some days no music at all — which she says would usually indicate a bad day — watch out folks! Hahaha
Natalie has a number of goals that she has set for herself this 2018 racing season. Many of them focusing around improving herself as a driver and improving her and her teams overall race program.
“Improving as a driver weighs heavily on only yourself. This is the part I plan to focus on the most but I can’t let myself get in the way. I need to continue to discipline myself and practice on the areas where I can get better at,” says Natalie
Natalie has always been a true inspiration and role model for others in this industry. We couldn’t be more proud and honored to have her as part of #TeamCarChix. Wishing the whole Hirschfield Team best of luck this 2018 season!