Life in the Fast Lane

The edited version of this story first appeared in Simcoe Life Magazine

November/December 2008

For Barrie Speedway race car driver and Hawkestone resident Desiree Walt, having survived eight car crashes in a16-year lifetime is par for the course - or should we say racetrack?

The Park Street Collegiate Institute student and aspiring esthetician inherits her passion for car racing honestly enough, having a history of racers in the family. Inspired by her grandfather, a 30-year late model division racer, now retired, and two cousins currently involved in racing, it's apparent Walt's life in the fast lane is marked by a green flag and adrenalin rush.

Driving a stock 1978 Ford Mustang 2.3 four-cylinder, her first year of racing found her sitting at 10th position over all. That was then – now, her second year racing, Walt led the race to the championship with a position of first in points right 'til the end, losing to her competitor by only seven points – which, by racing standards is considered a very close race. Not bad for the newbie chick-racer in the hot pink car.

It isn't difficult to spot Walt's position on the track as she veers around the course at speeds that at times reach 130 km per hour. Racing with three other women and 26 men, she's treated, “...as another one of the guys.” Recalling a few memorable moments, her confidence was rooted in place after her first serious car crash.

“I've been in at least seven or eight accidents, one very serious. It was my first race ever, the “powder puff” in which I was racing all girls. I rolled my car in the last lap as I was passing the car in the lead. I didn't really get hurt [seriously] at all. I have a roll cage around me, I wear a fire proof race suit and a five-point harness. The only thing that hurt after the wreck was my back and neck – for a few weeks after. When that accident happened, it made me more confident in myself and I wasn't scared anymore to prove to people that I was strong.”

Walt's cost of competition is offset by the financial support of local businesses. Her $110 Nascar licence, $19 per week gate fee and $20-$70 per week fuel costs are sponsored by Halford's Tax service, Wild Barry Auto Art, JC Auto and Mac-Air Heating and Air.

Walt dreams of one day becoming a NASCAR driver. For now, her short term goals are Thunder Car for 2009, followed by entrance into late model division. Her ultimate achievement: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Tweezing hairs or plucking cars, you go girl...

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