“I’m a racer, not a model,” Mesimer says
MARCH 9, 2004
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Angie Mesimer has rejected overtures from a nationally-known men’s magazine. The 32-year-old fabricator for the #49 Schwan’s Home Service Dodge of BAM Racing and driver Ken Schrader said she has no interest in Playboy magazine’s proposed “Women Of Racing” photo feature.
“I am in racing because I love racing, I love working on race cars and I love the competition,” Mesimer said. “I have no interest in a magazine like Playboy anyway, unless they want to talk about building and working on race cars.”
Mesimer, a single mother of two, said she would much rather work her way to the top in motorsports.
“Everyone involved in NASCAR racing has been working to get away from the old stereotypes of ‘good ol’ boys,’ and this supposedly ‘mainstream’ publication comes up with an idea that I think most people in the garage would find offensive,” said BAM Racing general manager Eddie Jones, a veteran of NASCAR racing stretching back to the 1970s.
“We’re all working to increase our reach and to bring more general consumers into our camp. New fans are great,” Jones said. “I completely agree with Angie, though. This is not the way to bring new fans to our sport.
“She is a good worker and she is learning a lot about racing. She doesn’t make a lot of waves but pitches in and works hard,” Jones said. “This is like a national publication doing a ‘wolf whistle,’ and everyone involved with our race team finds that pretty offensive. I am proud to say BAM Racing is not going to be a part of it.
“I guess there is a place for men’s magazines; just not with our race team,” he added.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Williams Company of America, Inc.
502 E. Center Ave.
Mooresville, NC 28115
MARCH 9, 2004
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Angie Mesimer has rejected overtures from a nationally-known men’s magazine. The 32-year-old fabricator for the #49 Schwan’s Home Service Dodge of BAM Racing and driver Ken Schrader said she has no interest in Playboy magazine’s proposed “Women Of Racing” photo feature.
“I am in racing because I love racing, I love working on race cars and I love the competition,” Mesimer said. “I have no interest in a magazine like Playboy anyway, unless they want to talk about building and working on race cars.”
Mesimer, a single mother of two, said she would much rather work her way to the top in motorsports.
“Everyone involved in NASCAR racing has been working to get away from the old stereotypes of ‘good ol’ boys,’ and this supposedly ‘mainstream’ publication comes up with an idea that I think most people in the garage would find offensive,” said BAM Racing general manager Eddie Jones, a veteran of NASCAR racing stretching back to the 1970s.
“We’re all working to increase our reach and to bring more general consumers into our camp. New fans are great,” Jones said. “I completely agree with Angie, though. This is not the way to bring new fans to our sport.
“She is a good worker and she is learning a lot about racing. She doesn’t make a lot of waves but pitches in and works hard,” Jones said. “This is like a national publication doing a ‘wolf whistle,’ and everyone involved with our race team finds that pretty offensive. I am proud to say BAM Racing is not going to be a part of it.
“I guess there is a place for men’s magazines; just not with our race team,” he added.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Williams Company of America, Inc.
502 E. Center Ave.
Mooresville, NC 28115