How did you go from racing cars to being a car expert?
I've been working on cars since I was 10 and purchased my first car at 1 and worked on it and with my Dad, a professional engineer in 3 states.  When I turn 16 I was asked to go to a Solo II event and loved it and then it was working races to competing in races, the passion just continued to grow.  I've worked in every aspect of automotive from manufacturing, to design, tear-down (the dirty work), marketing, advertising, sales, training, development, all aspects of that end and aftermarket as well as a the new dealer end with training, marketing, sales and corporate work, and consulting. 

I'm also on the SEMA Business Womens Network Steering Committee.  So I guess the racing came from the love of cars.  I have a degree in marketing and business with minors in engineering and economics.

Was that a natural progression for you? 
As a child the natural progression form working with my Dad to working in the business end to developing new corporations in the automotive field, to journalism, consulting, speaking and training.  The sky's the limit and I'm grateful for all my successes and failures.

Where are you racing these days?
Since my travel schedule has been so busy, I can't attend every race in a series so I can only enter 2-3 races a year.  Currently competing in SVRA (Sportscar Vintage Racing Assoc.) and HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing).  I've been racing since 1981.

Did having kids and getting married change the way you look at your racing career? 
The biggest change was time and making sure they were a part of racing and cars.  Both have raced go-karts, but have since quite after successful racing careers, we never want to push them to do anything they don't want to do.  My husband is my biggest fan and is in constant support even with his racing career.

Did you find the men you raced with took you seriously -- was their sexism when you were racing competitively?
I had to prove myself, much more than men have too.  I've had my few issues but use them to grow.  The auto industry as a whole is mostly male dominant, you can't take every little comment as an an attack.  You have to learn more, be prepared for anything and use your tools to find your own path and others will respect you for the efforts.

What are you up to these days, where can people see you? 
I've just completed my 3rd book and starting the 4th one with my daughter, Shelby, who is 16 and has race go-karts and been around cars her whole life.  I'm also speaking at some events as a keynote speaker, consulting and working on a few television shows.

Tell us about your book? 
The book is a straight-forward, clear and fun advice makes caring for your car easy so you can actually enjoy driving and owning one. With Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car, you’ll soon be a confident, knowledgeable car owner who knows what is important in taking care of your car.

With Lauren Fix on your side, you'll know:

*How to select the best car for your lifestyle--and safest car for your family

*Essential and easy maintenance for your car

*What to have ready in case of a crash or emergency

*Driving tips for all kinds of weather and traffic conditions

*How to talk to your car mechanic in language you can both understand

*How to master easy car repairs--and which repairs to avoid

*Much more!

Lauren Fix is the ideal resource for all car-related questions, and Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car is full of tips and inside knowledge to keep you in the know and your car on the road.





by Linda Przygodski
Contributing Editor
AskPatty.com