At just age 20, Brittney Zamora of Kennewick, Wash. focuses on a successful NASCAR career. (Photo Credit: Luis Torres/Motorsports Tribune)
Without delay, Brittney Zamora is making a name for herself as an up and coming NASCAR racer. By all means, the 20-year-old from Kennewick, Wash. ranks sixth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings with five top-fives and eight top-10 finishes through 12 races.
At the present time, one would think Zamora is absolutely content with her solid rookie effort. Of course, she desires for better results. With that in mind, there’s still at least two more races for this young racer to make noise at Bakersfield and Phoenix.
Still, Zamora has the makings to get results while appreciating her journey in NASCAR. All in all, she’s got the savvy and experience with her background in go-karts and asphalt racing.
Above all, Zamora invests time with her racing efforts. Given these points, she devotes time to physical fitness, her academic studies, and analyzes prior races. Altogether, one could say Zamora’s passion extends beyond the driver’s seat.
Generally speaking, Zamora is the complete package as a next generation racer. Combining an old school approach with today’s essentials with social media platforms, she makes the time to connect with fans at the track and online.
Ultimately, Zamora is a driver worth following in the coming years. Recently, I caught up with this determined racer to learn more about her story, background, and prospects with her future. Without further ado, it’s time to get “In the Driver’s Seat with Brittney Zamora!”
Rob Tiongson : In your first full-time season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, you’re ranked sixth with five top-fives and eight top-10 finishes as of press time. How would you evaluate your season as we head down the final stretch of the year?
Despite her solid stats, Brittney Zamora wants to capitalize in 2019. (Photo Credit: Luis Torres/Motorsports Tribune)
Brittney Zamora : Evaluating my first season in the K&N West Series, I’d say it has gone good but not as expected. Three races unfinished due to mechanical failures has really played a factor in our points position. But we can’t go back and change that, so we have to make up for it in the rest of the season.
Rob Tiongson : As a native of Washington, I think of racers like Kasey Kahne or Greg Biffle. How did you get into motorsports? And when did you realize you wanted to pursue this?
For the past 16 years, Zamora’s world has been all about racing. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)
Brittney Zamora : I started racing when I was 4 in go-karts. I am a second gen driver following my dad. I raced go karts for nine years. Then, for the past six years, I have raced oval stock cars.
Rob Tiongson : Do you recall the very first NASCAR race that you saw or attended in person?
Brittney Zamora : I remember the first NASCAR race I went to. It was in Phoenix in 2012, the fall race. It was a really cool experience and even cooler that I get to race there seven years later.
Rob Tiongson : We’ve seen NASCAR’s diversity efforts truly step up. More women and minorities are either in the driver’s seat or going over the wall as pit crew members. How special is it to see this happen with a sport that’s going through quite the transition?
Essentially, Zamora’s had a busy season as she’s raced in the East Coast as well. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)
Brittney Zamora : Being one of the few women in NASCAR right now gives me a great opportunity as well as a platform to help inspire younger females to get involved in the sport if they want to! This is a special time in NASCAR where us females can truly stand out and make a name for ourselves.
Rob Tiongson : For some who may not understand or appreciate racing, this is a truly physical sport. When it comes to the critics or detractors who may think otherwise, what are some of your talking points to illustrate that being a racer is more than logging laps in bullrings?
Brittney Zamora : Usually, if I come across someone who thinks racing is “easy” or doesn’t require much to be able to do, I just give them a brief explanation of the time and effort that goes into making a good driver on track. Countless hours in the gym training, heat training, strength, cardio, then to studying past races and taking notes…it all plays a huge factor and helps on track.
Rob Tiongson : Let’s talk off track for the moment. When you are trying to unwind, who are some musicians or bands that we’ll likely hear you play or listen to on a music streaming service?
Perhaps Zamora may do some Carpool Karaoke in the future. (Photo Credit: Luis Torres/Motorsports Tribune)
Brittney Zamora : I like a good mix of country, pop and really a little bit of everything. It actually is influenced by the season as well. So, for some reason, I prefer country music in the summer and other types of music on the winter.
Rob Tiongson : Given how busy you are during the racing season, how do you balance the demands of your profession on the track with life away from it to be as well rounded as possible?
Brittney Zamora : Being well rounded is hard, yet important. Between training, going to college, sponsor events, racing, and making time to see family/friends, my schedule is packed. It’s all about time management and I’ve figure out the more I plan the better everything runs.
Rob Tiongson : It’s said that some racers can be quite superstitious or creatures of habit. What are some things that you are superstitious with? Or do you believe you control your own luck?
Brittney “Lefty” Zamora may be a creature of habit. (Photo Credit: Luis Torres/Motorsports Tribune)
Brittney Zamora : I do believe in the typical no peanuts and no umbrellas at the racetrack. But as far as my own, I have to put on my left glove and left shoe on first. I’m not really sure why, but everything feels off if I don’t. However, this only applies to race scenarios, as I don’t have this superstition outside of the racetrack.
Rob Tiongson : We’ve seen how women in sports have truly made positive impact over the years. Recently, the US Women’s National Soccer Team won their fourth World Cup this summer. How important is it that we see an impact like with racers like you and your teammate Hailie Deegan working your way into the top ranks of NASCAR?
Brittney Zamora : I think that any positive impact that I can make on and off track to help inspire younger girls. and even boys, to take that first step in doing what they want, is a goal of mine. By doing so, I believe how I race on track, my results and by just being who I am and true to the fans and media, also has a huge impact on future generations.
Rob Tiongson : While there’s never any guarantees in life, what are you hopes in terms of long-term career aspirations in NASCAR?
In the meantime, Zamora presses on while establishing her legacy. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)
Brittney Zamora : My goal is to make a career out of racing. Cup series is my main goal, and I’m working hard to get the sponsorships and connections that I need to be able to do so.
Editor’s Notes
Special thanks to Brittney and Kevin Green for making this interview possible! Also, thanks to Luis Torres for contributing his photos for this exclusive feature. Learn more about Brittney via her Facebook, Twitter, and her official website!
