The 23-year-old female driving sensation made the racing world take notice during the "Legends of the West Series" televised live on The Nashville Network during the winter. Folice finished second in the 10-week series at Canyon Raceway near Phoenix.

"It's incredible the number of people that saw me on TV," said Folice. "I get letters, phone calls and meet people on the street who say they watched me race my Legends car on television."

So what happened to propel a young woman into a national spotlight in a sport dominated by males?

"First, I guess I've always been a tomboy," said Folice. "Second, they (men) know I'm racing for the same reason they are racing. I'm not driving around a race track to gain attention as a female driver. I'm doing it to win."

Her driving credentials help as well.

Folice is a three-time World Karting Association champion and a two-time International Karting Federation champion. She drove to more than 350 wins during her 15-year karting career. She was a team driver for the factory Coyote Karts operation.

During last year's Mello Yello 500 Week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Folice made her Legends car debut behind the wheel of the Action Packed Racing Cards No. 24kt. During three nights of racing, she scored a third, fourth and fifth place.

She was for real.

"Action Packed was looking for a female driver to promote their race cards," said Folice. "They had heard of me from recommendations people had made based on my success in karting. They knew a female driver would create some publicity, but they also knew they needed a competitive female driver to maintain the publicity."

The relationship has benefitted both parties.

"Jody has done an excellent job promoting Action Packed Racing Cards both on and off the track," said Tom Cotteleer, president of Action Packed Racing Cards. "If it wasn't for them (Action Packed), I wouldn't be here and be this far along in my career," said Folice. "In my appearances for Action Packed, kids really get a kick out of the car and they love the race cards. It's pretty neat to have a five-year-old say, 'Hey that's Jody, she drives that car."

But don't get the impression everything in racing was handed to this lady on a gold platter.

The oldest of three girls born to Joe and Gloria Folice, Folice and her family lived in Westport, Conn. Her father owned and operated a family-run refuse business.

In the summer of 1988, the entire Folice family moved to Mt. Pleasant, N.C.

"My mom was sick and we thought a warmer weather climate would help her be more comfortable," said Folice. "Besides mom knew dad and I liked racing and this area is known as the hub of stock car racing."

The Folice family started a small delicatessen in Concord, N.C., where everyone pitched in from 6 a.m. to closing. Only after work was completed could Jody and Joe turn their attention to racing.

Last April, Gloria Folice died of congestive heart failure at the age of 55.

"Before mom died, Humpy Wheeler introduced the Legends car and mom said, 'If Humpy Wheeler is behind it, there is something to it."'

When not racing or making appearances, Jody can be found at T & J's deli on Church Street helping run the family business. Her younger sisters Terri, 20, and Julie, 19, attend college.

It's her dad that is mostly responsible for Jody's interest in racing.

"My dad had three girls so I was designated the son he never had," said Folice. "He raced a '37 Chevy Coupe in the northeast and he did a lot of engine and machine shop work for local racers. One day he asked me if I wanted to race go-karts, and I didn't hesitate.

"When I was a really young, I would race the other neighborhood kids on big wheels. Dad knew I had a competitive nature about me."

That competitive fire has allowed Folice to set future racing goals as well.

"I'd like to get a shot at NASCAR Winston Cup racing by the year 2000," said Folice.

She's trying hard to expand her racing resume.

During the winter she hot-lapped a winged sprint car in Phoenix, this year she plans to compete in a USAC-sanctioned event for three-quarter midgets in California. She'll drive in 22 Legends car races at Charlotte Motor Speedway this season as well.

"I really admire Kenny Schrader. He's driven almost every type of race car in existence on every type of track in the country," Folice said. "And, even though he's a big Winston Cup star, he'll still drive any race car, anytime, anywhere. That's what being a race car driver is all about."

From big wheels to Legends, Folice is in the fast lane and the year 2000 isn't too far away. When the green flag drops for the 41st running of the Coca-Cola 600 that glitter up front might be the reflection of this action-packed lady.

Reprinted with permission of Lowe's Motor Speedway.