When the decision was made to run the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour event at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway, Renee hadn’t any idea she would be setting a precedent.

In fact, she only learned she would be the first female to start a race in the history of the WSMT when she was contacted by NASCAR (after they received an entry blank with her name on it).

As a result, NASCAR issued a press release which appeared on their ‘home tracks’ website; with the Hickory Daily Record running a similar story (in print and on their website) on race day.