WHILE PAYTON Cusimano is also a bracket racer , she ’ s finding that she can also have a rewarding impact on the sport outside of the driver ’ s seat . As the founder of Chicks on Slicks , she uses the power of social media to empower young racers around the world by sharing their stories and inspiring others .

Chicks on Slicks started in 2019 as a college project . Cusimano ’ s public relations professor with notoriously high expectations tasked her with creating an Instagram page . Cusimano decided to focus hers on spotlighting women in racing . The page grew quickly and earned an A , and even though Cusimano graduated

from the University of Tampa in 2020 with a PR degree , she ’ s kept the page going . In fact , she ’ s ramped up efforts , even attracting support from companies like JEGS .

“ It is super rewarding for me ,” Cusimano says . “ It seems my audience is made up of a lot of young women , specifically in the Jr . Dragster ranks . I was never able to do Jr . Dragsters when I was younger , so being able to give back to them and empower them to move up into a big car one day and compete with all of us is awesome . I just love the fact that I can work with the younger kids and show them that there ’ s girls all over the world doing this and being a part of motorsports .”

Outside of her own project , Cusimano uses what she learned in school to help other brands in racing . She was one of the first staff writers for DragChamp . com , where she continues to contribute stories for the sportsman-focused news site . She also helps Austin Truhler with

social media posts and press releases for SFG Promotions .

This summer , Cusimano took a full-time position as the social media manager for Road to Indy , which includes running social media pages for Road to Indy , USF2000 , Indy Pro 2000 , and Indy Lights . She ’ s hoping her experiences there will lead to a career in public relations or journalism within NHRA or even IndyCar . Between talent , determination and a strong support system , she ’ s well on her way .

“ My dad introduced me to the sport and my parents have always supported my efforts ,” Cusimano says . “ I also have to thank [ National Dragster Senior Editor ] Kevin McKenna , who ’ s been like a mentor , always sending opportunities and advice my way . Gary Don Free with Drag Champ brought me on before I really had any drag racing news writing experience . I ’ m definitely thankful for everyone who ’ s helped me get to this point .” – NATE VAN WAGNEN DI

PHOTOGRAPH BY RAE MILLER