Theresa has always been an adrenaline junky, with a bit of a competitive streak.

Her dad introduced her to the sport of autocross when she was 18 and that's when she knew she had found her true calling. While in college at McGill University, Theresa took a break from racing to pursue a dual Physics and Music degree. She says having studied physics has proven to be quite valuable in understand vehicle dynamics and how a car handles when pushed to its limit. She was also a member of McGill's Formula Society of Automotive Engineers where she designed, fabricated and competed in a small formula style racing car.

After graduating college, Theresa returned to racing and moved up the ranks of autocross, winning the SCCA National Championship in the D Street Prepared Ladies (DSPL) class in 2008. In 2009 she earned a spot on the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series, specifically designed for young race car drivers looking to get started in professional road racing. From there Theresa spent 3 years competing in the Spec Miata division where she competed in the northeast region and earned a 2nd place finish in her class at New Jersey Motorsports Park. She is currently racing in the SCCA's ITR division. Her ride is a 2002 Acura RSX-S that she built along with her crew chief and partner. Her first race weekend in the car she took two 2nd place and one 4th place finish.

Theresa is also the Director of Marketing at Thompson Speedway where she is responsible for coordinating and promoting some of New England's most exciting races and track events. You can find out more about Theresa at her website: theresacondict.com

She Racing asked Theresa to share some of her thoughts as a female racer.

How did you get started in racing?

I first started racing my dad's Mitsubishi Evo when I was 18 in local autocross events. My dad thought it would be a great way for me to get important car control experience as a new driver. Little did he know it would turn into a life-long passion!

Did you have a coach/mentor as you developed as a racer?

My parents have always been my strongest supporters and mentors. My dad took the time to explain car set-up and vehicle dynamics so that I would understand what the car is doing, and would help coach me when I first started out in autocross. My mom was very important in helping me with the business side of racing, and helped build my first racing website and create promotional materials when I raced professionally.

What would you describe as your most memorable racing moment?

One of my most memorable racing moments was the first SCCA race with our Acura RSX-S race car. Due to mechanical issues, we'd done very little testing with the newly built car before its first race. Despite that, I ended up finishing second in the very first two races, which was a huge achievement in a car that no one thought was going to be competitive in its class! The support I had from my boyfriend, friends and family that weekend was overwhelming and made it all the more memorable!

What was the greatest lesson you've learned?

I've learned that racing isn't a solo sport. The drivers who get ahead are the ones who work closely with their crew and sponsors inside and outside of the car.

What advice or tip do you have for women in racing?

Car racing is one of the few sports where women can compete on an equal playing field with men, making it unique. Never settle for being good for a woman. Know that you can be as good as you want to be with enough hard work and dedication!

What female racer(s) are you following these days?

Shea Holbrook is one of the women I follow in racing right now. She competes in the Pirelli World Challenge both as a driver and team owner, and has also done some Jet Dragster racing. She has worked hard to promote herself and her team, and shows that it's not enough to just be a good driver in professional racing, you also have to master the business side of it as well.