[ 10,000 H.P. Learning Experience ]
K
KAYLYNN SIMMONS
AYLYNN SIMMONS had never even
been to a dragstrip, let alone
shown any interest working in
drag racing. But life can some-
times move in unexpected direc-
tions – and Simmons definitely
didn’t see this coming.
With dreams to work in NASCAR, Sim-
mons was set to graduate from UNOH in
Lima, Ohio. But when Rob Wendland, who
had just joined Terry McMillen’s Top Fuel
team as crew chief, came calling with an
opportunity, Simmons jumped completely
into a new world.
The only problem? She graduated on a
Tuesday and needed to be in McMillen’s
shop on a Wednesday.
“I graduated on Tuesday, was in Terry’s
shop on Wednesday and left the next Mon-
day to go to Vegas for the spring race,” Sim-
mons remembers. “I had never been to a
dragstrip. The most I had known was Erica
Enders’ drag racing movie (on Disney).
I respected it, but it was never in the realm of
things I imagined doing.”
To say it was a major learning curve would be
an understatement, but Simmons persevered,
established a strong rapport with Wendland and
is now entering her fifth year on the team. It’s a
far cry from being hired straight out of college,
in part because she had a CDL and could drive
one of the haulers.
But after starting as a clutch assistant – fully
admitting she knew very little about a Top Fuel
dragster clutch – Simmons impressed everyone
with a thirst to learn and a willingness to work.
She became the lead clutch person that offsea-
son and has become an integral part of McMillen’s
April 2020
successful one-car team, making Simmons a defi-
nite success story in the sport with one incredible
journey as well.
“For me, I knew my work ethic was there. I’ve
always pushed to make sure I was on time, do my
best and work as hard as I could,” Simmons says.
“Being straightforward with (Wendland) was big.
If I didn’t know how to do something, I told him.
It was a big learning curve, but I’ve never quit or
given up on anything. I knew I was going to find
a way for myself.”
It certainly wasn’t easy, as Simmons jokes she
had to “go through Rob Wendland’s boot camp.”
But adhering to a tight ship and displaying an im-
pressive work ethic had an impact on Wendland.
The team had a breakthrough together
that first year, and McMillen has enjoyed
the best run of his career, winning his first
career Top Fuel race, winning the U.S. Na-
tionals and advancing to the Countdown
to the Championship for the first time. It’s
been a fulfilling journey for Simmons, who
has thrived in her role.
“For me, I found the passion watching
Terry’s career evolve,” Simmons says. “To
be there for Terry’s first win, it was amaz-
ing. But that has been my passion working
for a single-car team, trying to help get
Terry to new standards every day. This
group of guys, they’re like my brothers,
like my family.”
Simmons’ unconventional path has
served as an inspiration to others, espe-
cially as a female working on the clutch
for a contending Top Fuel team.
Growing up in the small town of Jor-
dan, New York, Simmons started dirt-kart
racing when she was seven years old. She
enjoyed plenty of success racing through high
school, but found herself as one of just a few fe-
males racing.
Determined to have an impact in motorsports,
Simmons has become a role model for many, and
she’s enjoyed every part of that responsibility.
“To have girls message me on social media or
talk to me at the track or ask how do I get to
where I’m at, it’s just awesome,” Simmons says.
“It’s more normal and accepted than ever before
for females to work in this industry, so if I can
bridge that gap, it’s pretty cool.
“I’m just fortunate Rob took that chance on me.
I have no intentions of going anywhere and it’s
really been awesome.” – J OS H H AC H AT
DragIllustrated.com
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