Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day at WWT Raceway

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by WWTR

MADISON, Ill. (Feb. 4, 2026) – Behind every unforgettable race day at World Wide Technology Raceway is a passionate team. Hosting more than 300 local events and three national events each year wouldn’t be possible without the women of WWT Raceway: a 10-member team working across all departments to keep the action moving and the experience exceptional.

Allison Vandemore – Executive Assistant to VP and Owner & Senior Manager of Communications

Allison has been with WWT Raceway for almost nine years. In her role, she manages all executive and track communications, supports senior leadership, oversees messaging for major events and helps keep the entire team connected and informed. Her favorite memory from her time at the track was “standing on pit row as the green flag waved for the first NASCAR Cup race at the track with the coworkers that made it all happen to get to that moment.”

The NASCAR Cup Series made its debut at WWT Raceway in 2022, and Allison has been a part of the team that has made it happen every year since. During these national events, you can find Allison backstage or throughout the property, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

For Allison, being a woman in sports in her role means “leading with confidence, staying organized, and adapting quickly in the high-energy world of motorsports, where clear communication and smart, fast decisions make all the difference.”

Taylor Strausbaugh – Senior Director of Fan Engagement and Corporate Fulfillment

Taylor has been with WWT Raceway for 12 years and was part of the team for the inaugural INDYCAR and NASCAR events. Taylor creates engaging experiences for fans while ensuring all corporate partnerships are delivered accurately and effectively. In addition, Taylor ensures WWT Raceway’s hospitality options are exceptional experiences for guests.

With her long career at the track, Taylor has helped bring marquee INDYCAR and NASCAR events to the region. Helping introduce these inaugural events to the Metro East are among Taylor’s core memories that she will carry throughout her motorsports career.

In a market that now hosts three national motorsport events, Taylor’s favorite part of working at WWT Raceway is not only helping grow the racing series in the local market, but also seeing how these events create memorable moments that fans and partners carry with them long after race weekend ends.

“Being a woman in motorsports means showing up every day with the drive to earn credibility, lead with passion, and do whatever it takes to leave a lasting impression. It’s challenging, deeply rewarding, and I’m proud to be a part of pushing this sport forward.”

Nettie Johnson – Director of Operations

Nettie’s racing career began in 1998, when she started working part-time for AMA Prostar. After touring with the motorcycle national event, Nettie continued her career at her first track, Summit Motorsports Park in 2005. After 15 seasons, Nettie relocated to WWT Raceway in 2020 where she began to overseeing track operations.

Nettie has built an impressive career in motorsports, especially in drag racing. During the season, you can find her out on the drag strip, getting her hands dirty to ensure everything runs smoothly. During her time at WWT Raceway, some of her favorite memories come from working alongside her five best friends to help produce these national events.

Nettie has earned the respect of the industry and her position from her “boots on the ground” work ethic. Nettie is very involved in the events produced as she makes sure everything is planned out to make events operate smoothly. Nettie also never lets gender impact how she performs her job.

Taylor Pearson – Maintenance Admin Assistant

Taylor has been with WWT Raceway for almost two years, but has been involved in motorsports since she started racing at the age of seven. In her current role at WWT Raceway, Taylor helps keep facilities running smoothly by organizing maintenance requests, tracking tasks and supporting the maintenance team.

The thrill of drag racing isn’t new to Taylor, but her favorite memory at WWT Raceway was experiencing the nitro-action for the first time at NHRA. “When they launch, it’s like a nitro-fueled earthquake through the stands. It’s one of the best races to experience in person.”

“To me, being a woman in motorsports means being where I’ve always belonged and showing up as myself in an industry that I love.”

Katherine Miller – Social Media Manager

Katherine is no stranger to the speed and sound of fast cars. While she has been with WWT Raceway for two years, she has spent the last nine years in the racing industry. She has worked in dirt racing for teams and drivers, as well as at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in their College Experience Program. Katherine manages all of WWT Raceway’s social media platforms, capturing live events and creating engaging content for fans.

Her favorite part of working at WWT Raceway is being part of moments that fans will remember forever. “Whether it’s race day energy, a perfect sunset during INDYCAR, or seeing months of work come together, it’s a feeling I never take for granted.”

To Katherine, “being a woman in sports, especially in motorsports, is all about breaking barriers, making space for others, and loving every adrenaline-packed minute. It’s hard work, a little chaos, and a lot of fun, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Payton Buschhorn – Public Relations and Media Manager

Payton joined the WWT Raceway team a year ago as a full-time team member. In her role, she serves as a liaison to both the media and the three national series, while also collaborating with her team to coordinate messaging that keeps the public informed.

Payton’s favorite part about working at WWT Raceway is seeing the events the entire staff works so hard on come to life and watching fans have a memorable time at the facility. In her position at WWT Raceway, she enjoys making connections with fans, industry professionals and executing national events alongside the WWT Raceway team.

“Being a woman in motorsports means staying calm under pressure, communicating clearly in fast-moving moments, and telling the story of the sport in a way that connects with fans and media alike.”

Lauren Trisler – Staff Accountant

During the two years Lauren has been part of the WWT Raceway team, she has managed the financial side of track operations, working behind the scenes to support race events and daily business functions.

Lauren’s favorite memory goes back to her first summer at the track. She attended one of her first racing events with her husband and 2-year-old son at the time. Her son instantly fell in love with the cars and everything about the race.

“I think being a woman in sports means the same thing as being a woman in every other aspect of my life: I have a voice and a perspective and it’s valuable to my community. I get to bring my unique approach/skillset/understanding to the projects I’m tasked with, and my goal is to always improve things and leave them better than I found them. I hope I’m a good example to my friends, daughters, nieces, that gender doesn’t limit your abilities rather you use your skills and talents to better the world around you. I believe we were all created with a purpose and gifted with skills to that end, I’m just really glad that a part of my purpose is working alongside great people in sports and bringing joy to others through our events.”

Anna Mayberry – Fan Engagement Manager

Anna has been full-time at WWT Raceway for about six years, where she has become the camping expert. Anna plays a vital role among the ticketing team at WWT Raceway, specializing in camping questions and selling camping packages to fans.

During events, Anna is at the campground or selling tickets as fans arrive. Through these fan interactions, Anna’s favorite part about working at WWT Raceway is the close relationships she has built with co-workers, employees, fans, campers and racers. “This really is a second home to me.”

To Anna, being a woman in sports is about “reshaping a traditionally male-dominated industry by prioritizing relationship-focused management, empathy, and welcoming environment that fosters community and emotional connection as these are vital components of fan loyalty and event success.”

Melissa Gilliam – Concessions Manager

With hundreds of events at WWT Raceway, guests need a source to refuel during these long days, and Top Speed Concessions provides just that. Melissa has been with the track for about nine years and oversees all track catering and concessions.

Some of Melissa’s favorite memories include “catering to the track’s entertainment and celebrities at the major events; baking cookies for Scott Air Force Base for the airmen who stay on base for Christmas; feeding guests and staff and seeing the food we make for them put a smile on their face; watching our Junior Dragster participants grow up and evolve as racers while moving up to faster bigger cars; and also so many memories working side by side with my staff.”

Trinity Eller – General Maintenance

Trinity has been a part of the maintenance department at WWT Raceway for four years, helping keep the facility in pristine condition, ready for events and preparing for events.

With working at WWT Raceway, her favorite part is the people she gets to work with and who she gets to interact with. Working at a racetrack brings in hundreds of thousands of people from all over that look at the WWT Raceway staff for guidance during events.

“My favorite memory would probably have to be the first year we had NASCAR, it was so cool to see everyone come together for something we’ve never had before and make it happen.”