#44 Stock Four - Chelsea Pace - Driver Profile from 2011 Racenight #7

Driver Profile – Chelsea Pace - #44 Stock Four
By Tom Stephenson
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a number of women drivers at Laird Raceway that have gone up against the guys in a traditionally male dominated sport, and have proven their skill by carrying the checkered flag. Chelsea Pace is one that has done just that with the potential to win a season championship in her division.
Chelsea is currently 17 years old, going into grade 12 at Korah Collegiate. This is her third year now behind the wheel of the #44 Stock Four. Chelsea said, “Last year was my first full year. It was really good. The year before was just a part season but it was pretty good too. I used to race mainly at Kinross, Thunder Valley, and Whitimore; Onaway too. Right now it’s Laird because it’s close to home. My favourite out of town track is Thunder Valley near Marquette, but I’m really glad I can race at the home track this summer.”
Chelsea developed her interest in racing through her dad, Kevin Pace. Kevin used to run a factory stock car at Laird beginning in 2000. Chelsea said, “ I was always at the track with my dad and my Grandpa – Lorne Pace – he passed away about four years ago; I was about 7 then. I remember I always wanted to be in the car; sitting and pretending to drive. When I turned about 13 I started bugging my parents for a car. I started to take it more serious and I wanted to race.” Three years ago Chelsea got her wish and purchased the Neon off of Gord Hunt, a previous LIR champ.
Chelsea has a number of people to thank for enabling her to race. She said, “My dad, My mom – Andrea Pace, Donna Liscumb; and usually the Maitlands help; also the Leonard’s – Rick and Tammy. My grandmother, Jean Pace is always there every race supporting me. She sits in stands to the left of the tower. She helped pay for my car, and helps get stuff for it. I’d also like to thank Parson’s Performance Parts, they are a sponsor.
Besides going to school, Chelsea holds down at job at McDonalds on Great Northern Rd. Say hi to her next time you see her there!
Chelsea’s school friends are impressed. Chelsea said, “They all think it’s awesome. They never really got to see me race across the river but now that I’m at LIR some will come out.” Chelsea currently doesn’t have a boyfriend, she’s just too busy with the car and job.
Chelsea had a great start to the season, winning nearly every race. In the Four Cylinder divisions however the cars are subject to having weight added if a car is running too fast in relation to the rest of the pack. A few weeks back LIR Officials added 200 lbs to her car. Chelsea commented on the situation, “We expected some weight would be added to slow me down. It’s in the rules. They want to slow me down to be with the pack.”
Chelsea plans on moving up a division sometime in the future. She said, “I want to move up into either a Super Four or Factory Stock. My dad also has a modified at home, so we are thinking about getting that done. He wants to get back into it again. We’ll ride this season out then see what happens next year.
Chelsea likes the competition in her division. She said, “My main competition right now are A.J. Daniel and Leila Uhlman.” The young lady also wants to get more involved with the younger fans. She said, there are a few kids that come after the races. I just got some racing cards last week so we’ll be handing those out now. I remember when I was younger the drivers used to do t-shirt tosses into the stands. I’d like to do that but it’s hard because it is expensive. I think it would be neat to do some more kids rides in the cars.”
When asked about what she does during the off months Chelsea replied, “We usually work on the cars. I used to play ringette. I try to get out on the snowmobile a few times through the winter too.”