Cathy Shumaker is a pit lane fire marshal that works with multiple teams in a number of different sanctioning bodies including: NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA, NHRA, NASCAR, SCCA and more. She’s been enjoying her work with how she helps keep the drivers, crew, and others safe in the hectic and potentially dangerous area that is really her home away from home. We caught up with Cathy at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach where she tells us how she got started, how she’s developed relationships with drivers and teams and how young girls can get started in racing. There are a variety of roles they can fill if they are interested in having “the best seat in the house” outside of the race car. A true professional and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, Cathy is always a welcome sight at the race track. Enjoy!

NOTE: This is our final podcast in a series of “Women in Motorsports” interviews in September. This has been the month that Fast Lane Racing School has highlighted the diversity of roles that women play in the motorsports industry.  Also, as a reminder, the Women with Drive Summit III is coming up November 7,8, 2023 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, AZ. For more information, please visit: www.womenwithdrivesummit.com.

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason

Cathy Shumaker has found joy at the race track doing what she loves to do – helping to keep her drivers and teams safe.

Whether in pit lane, or next to the team cart receiving the series fuel, Cathy loves performing her fire safety duties.

Cathy takes her job seriously and is always on the lookout for wherever danger lurks. Here she is on pit lane ready to take on any challenge.

Cathy shares a moment with her favorite driver Simon Pagenaud just a month before Pagenaud would win the Indy 500.

Cathy is giving Pagenaud a gift for his dog Norman. She is also holding some gifts for his kids.

Pagenaud gives Cathy a warm embrace on pit lane prior to this year’s race at Long Beach. Over the years, they have become good friends.

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason