Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. My first episode was in 2018 and I continue to add new episodes each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to me at iwmanation@gmail.com
Melinda Russell
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
From Canada to Carolina: Jacqueline Rumley's Journey in Motorsports
In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Jacqueline Rumley, a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, educator, and industry professional, to the show. Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up immersed in dirt track racing in Ontario, Canada, to building a successful career in motorsports in North Carolina. Influenced by her parents' deep involvement in racing, Jacqueline developed a love for the sport at an early age, eventually choosing it over her initial interest in veterinary science.
Jacqueline recounts her bold move at age 19 to North Carolina to pursue her dreams, enrolling in the Motorsports Management Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College—the same program where she now teaches. She discusses the program’s unique combination of business and technical coursework, the affordable options it offers (especially for North Carolina residents), and how she helps students find their path into the racing industry. Mentorship and connecting students with real-world opportunities are a major focus of her teaching philosophy.
Jacqueline also talks about her personal life, including her marriage to Kevin Rumley, a well-respected dirt racing engineer. Together, they balance work and life around the racing schedule, often traveling to major dirt late model events such as The Dream at Eldora and the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury, which she describes as highlights of their summer.
The episode also touches on the power and pitfalls of social media in racing, advice for managing negative feedback professionally, and Jacqueline’s exciting new project — collaborating with Lionel Racing to develop a high-quality dirt late model die-cast model.
The conversation is filled with heartfelt moments about the importance of community, mentorship, resilience, and the many career opportunities that exist in motorsports beyond driving. Jacqueline’s story showcases how passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in racing.