Viry Felix. Our excellent woman pilot. I met her in Mexico last year, the only thing I can tell you is how unbelievable she is. So strong, so powerful, at the same time, extremely kind because she has a beautiful heart, with full of love. There are many people in the world carrying only stress and tension; we need more people like her. We need her clones. I can keep one of them near me in my neighborhood so she can be one of my best friends. You can feel her energy, calmness, and tremendous power the second you meet her.

Viry lives in Ensenada, Baja, California, Mexico, and works for the agricultural sector for her family business. Of course, she is in love with off-road racing and outdoor activities. Her happiest place is always anywhere near the sea. She loves to travel with her siblings. And here are my questions and her answers. Please meet Viry.

Pinar Ozyigit
pinar@scgcars.com
@scgpinar

I really felt that where I belonged. I felt that was my place.

How did everything start, Viry? I mean, your journey to becoming a race driver? You told me your store at Baja was very impressive. Can you share me again so everyone can learn how amazing you are!

I was around 16 years old when my dad started racing. He had a class 9 Buggie. I did not like it, it was very boring to just watch the cars go by, every hour or more. My brother started racing too. For a while, I was the one who was watching. I learned how to drive at 8 years old at the family farm. I was good at driving manual transmission vehicles.

How did you feel when you first drove a race car? What was that event? What do you remember?

In 1994 my dad and his friends organized a race where their wives would race their cars, but my mom did not want to join them because she doesn't drive stick cars. So my dad asked me if I wanted to race his car. I said, "yes, okay," without any excitement. But when I was in the driving seat, by myself, that was a single seated car, I really felt that where I belonged. I felt that was my place. Since that moment, I have fallen in love with off-road racing. I had mechanical problems and did not finish the first race, but I was the fastest driver during the first laps. I remember that my dad was impressed; he did not even know that I could drive a race car.

And after the first race, which races and events do you attend? Tell us all!

I didn't really start racing until the late 90s; it was in the local races, south of Ensenada, small races where my dad and brother would race; I could race with them. Usually, I would start the race, and then they will finish. In 2001 I won my first championship in the local organization, RECORD in the Safari Class. It was a beginners class.

Some people say my physical appearance doesn't look like a race girl. I don't know what a race girl should look like, by the way. Is there a prototype?

I am sure people were surprised by your career path. How were your family or friends' responses? Do you remember any funny stories that still make you smile?

My dad supported me 100%; I learned all I know about racing from my dad and my brother, but all the family always got involved, my mom, my sister, and now my nephews.

In the beginning, most of my friends didn't believe that I would race. Maybe because I was kind of a quiet and calm person. Some people say my physical appearance doesn't look like a race girl. I don't know what a race girl should look like, by the way. Is there a prototype?

In one of my races, my sister was my co-driver, and she said to me, "Oh my God, sister, once you get on the driver seat, you transform yourself."

In one of my first races, I finished the race, and a man was standing aside my car, waiting for me to take my helmet out because he said he wanted to make sure I was a girl.

Any sad memories? Because it is something tough to do. I adore what you do!

In early 2000 my brother and I were racing in an off-road stadium racing in Ensenada. We were racing my car in different heats, and he had a terrible accident; back then, I was living in the states. He had to stay that night in the hospital, and I remember driving back to the States crying and praying for my brother. I wanted to promise God not to race again if he would be okay. But I knew I couldn't promise something I would not keep. He was okay after all.

In 2011, I raced more than 10 local races, including the Baja 500 and Baja 1000, without any help at the steering wheel. I had my mechanic with me, but I drove every single mile. Some people don't believe I drove more than 25 hours to finish first place in the Baja 1000 that year, but that reaction was a compliment. Moreover, for me, it meant that I had just done something unbelievable.

You are a rock star, Viry! Look at yourself now; you have fans worldwide, especially in Mexico. You are a role model.

When I started racing, there was no Facebook or Instagram, so not many people would know me, at least that they were really off-road fans. A few years ago, a young boy asked me to autograph his t-shirt and put a baby t-shirt in my hands and told me that his mom kept it for him. That baby t-shirt had already my autograph, but from like 20 years ago. I almost cried, didn't realize how many years had passed.

In Mexico, turning 15 years old is very important. Parents organize parties for girls. Once I had this girl that his parents would take her to my races since she was little because they said the little girl wanted to watch me race. So when she turned 15, she was all dressed up exactly like me during one of the Score Bajas and went to take a picture aside from my race car as part of her celebration.

Isn't it amazing to do what you love and inspire people? And besides these great things. Did you face any difficulties? In thought times, have you ever questioned yourself asking yourself what I am doing?

Finding sponsors was always a challenge for me usually, my dad and friends would sponsor me. The only major company that sponsored me was Tokohama after winning NORRA in 2018. Yokohama sponsored the rest of the year, which was a great year. I won the Score Championship in Class 11. I am almost sure that I am the only female who won in that class.

The hardest part was when my little brother was diagnosed with cancer, and we all did like a stop in our lives. My dad sold the two race cars we had at that time and focused on my little brother. He passed away in 2004. I couldn't just race again. I felt that something in my life was missing. So told my dad I would use my home equity loan to buy a race car. In 2007 I bought my race car; I had stopped racing for 6 years by that time. This new chapter in our lives was great; racing is a family event for us. That is how my dad always taught us.

From that moment, I started to race again. I started Racing in Sportsman (or 14) class (my car was ½ 1600 Buggy). I won the RECORD championship in 2011 and in 2016 won the RECORD championship in class ½ 1600.

I am very grateful to the Glikenhaus family for the opportunity they have given me to do what I am passionate about, especially being a woman and a Mexican.

As a woman in your career path, can you share one of your experiences that made you feel sad, mad, or what was that? Did anyone mention that you cannot because you are a woman by words or behaviors?

I have been very blessed having all these men in my life that had taught me everything I know about off-road racing. Starting with my dad and brother, my mechanics, all my crew, friends like the bio family, I learned a lot.

Especially in a sport usually for men and in a county where machismo unfortunately still exists, I feel lucky to have had this opportunity. Of course, men don't like to lose, even less so when a woman beats them.

So what did you do to feel better to overcome the negative feelings?

I think my personality helps a little; I always do my best, don't mind other drivers, I know I have to beat myself. I don't take any comments personally.

How about Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus; how did you join the team?

I met them thanks to Darren Skilton. I usually don't go to a race unless I'm going to participate. To me, it's like taking a kid to a candy store and not buying her candy. But on that occasion, I went to see the start of the NORRA race, and Darren came up to me and said that a team wanted to race the Baja 1000 and asked me if I would like to race with them. At that moment, I said yes, without knowing who Glickenhaus was. Without any hesitation.

What were your first feelings when you met with the Glickenhaus Family?

I met James and Jesse Glikenhaus during the Boot tests a few weeks before the Baja 1000 in 2019; they were very excited about the race. They were very friendly and made me feel part of their team from the first moment, but honestly, I had no idea who they were until we finished that Baja 1000.

I am very grateful to the Glikenhaus family for the opportunity they have given me to do what I am passionate about, especially being a woman and a Mexican.

What do you think about the Boot? I know you love it so much!

The Baja Boot is an incredible car, especially compared to the cars I've been in before; there is no point in comparison. It is a high-speed car, easy to drive, has a great engine, and is very stable.

What are your current plans?

Racing Baja 1000 on the Hydrogen Boot this year, I am very excited about this new adventure. I love being part of Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus; they are constantly innovating.

I know you have a family farm? Can you tell us about it?

My family has owned this farm for more than 80 years; my dad was in charge until he passed away in July 2020. Due to differences of opinion with my dad's family, I resigned from working for the family three months after my father's death. But a month ago, the family asked me to return to the family business. We produce different types of vegetables, tomatoes, onions, carrots, brussels sprouts, green beans, chili peppers and many more. We also have several varieties of wine grapes and some olive trees. I am in charge of both the administrative and operational aspects.

What are your daily routines? What do you like to do in your free day?

I really like to exercise, so I go to the gym at least five days a week or train at home. Depending on the needs of the business, I spend my time at the office in Ensenada or at the farm, which is located in San Vicente, approximately two hours south of Ensenada.

I like to share it with friends in my free time, go out to eat, and have a coffee; now that the border has opened, I also like to go shopping in the states and visit my sister and my brother, they both live in the states.

How do you get ready for the race events? Are there things you believe will bring luck? Any symbols or charms?

My coach changes my routine one or two months before every race. I start to do more specific exercises, such as the neck, back, etc. I also change my diet a little.

I believe there is something bigger than me. When I prerun, and during the race, I ask permission, and I give thanks that I am allowed to travel along the racecourse. I usually talk to my car too.

What advice would you give to women who want to be race drivers like you?

They should be encouraged to do it and ask their husbands, brothers, and friends to borrow their cars since it is regularly how most women approach the world of off-roading.

It was difficult to explain why I liked racing since it is difficult to put into words all the emotions felt when I am on the wheel. On every occasion, my father was my accomplice. Once I organized a race exclusively for women at the family farm. The experience of the girls who participated was incredible. I remember that one of them told me that she thought that she would no longer feel such a great emotion after having her children. That race was called Chicas Off-Road, "100 Miles of Natural Make-Up" and I organized it with the support of my family for three consecutive years. It was the easiest way to explain why I liked racing so much; having them live the experience was one of my most incredible memories. Still, I remember with a big smile.