From the very beginning, grassroots racing in this country has served as the conduit to stardom and like all things worth striving for, there isn't an easy way to the top. Throughout the U.S., thousands of hopefuls are paying their dues each and every weekend at local short tracks, hoping that opportunity will come and knock on their door.

Money and sponsorship is one thing but success or failure comes down to who's behind the wheel. Without a reliable driver, one who's able to not only control the car but one who's also knowledgeable about what changes are needed to improve performance, you won't see your name or your sponsor's name in the win column.

Timber Cookson is an emerging young driver from Sonoma County, California, with a true passion for the sport. We recently caught up with her in order to gain a some background and insight into what motivates her to excel in a sport few women aspire to.

SMM: Tell us how long have you been involved with competitive racing, and what were your major influences in getting started.

TC: I started racing four years ago at Petaluma Speedway. That's where I began my career. My dad got my brother and I into racing and we immediately fell in love with it. It can't be overstated how positive his influence has been for us.

SMM: Does your dad have a background in racing?

TC: Yes, he does. He raced back in the 80's. When we heard about enduro racing, which is 200 laps, we thought that's right up our alley. We can do that, and finish too.

SMM: Tell us about your finishes. Have you finished in the top 5, or top 10 spots consistently?

TC: Last year, I started 20 races, and finished 19. The one I did not finish was due to mechanical problems that should'nt have happened in the first place. I have several top 10 finishes, with the majority in the top 5, and I have 3 wins. I was also the 2008 Altamont Track Champion.

SMM: What do you consider your challenges in the past, and what challenges do you feel you currently face?

TC: My challenges would be making sure that the car is running properly, and being able to complete 200 laps without any DNF's caused by breaking down, overheating, etc. So, the night before each race I plan on being in the shop triple checking everything, making sure that nothing is overlooked.

SMM: Do you crew your own car, and who is your crew chief?

TC: My dad and brother do most of the work. I am there helping, getting right in there and learning as much about the mechanics as I can so that when once on the track, I can let them know what is and isn't working.

SMM: Do you feel that females in this sport are still at a disadvantage, or that they have overcome most of the old obstacles?

TC: I don't think that we are at a disadvantage these days. I believe that people are shocked to see you at the track at first, but once you get out there, they say, " man, she really can drive." I think it's true that a lot of guys say women have more patience, and that's why they drive better. After the race, guys come up to me and shake my hand, and say I really did a great job.

SMM: Do you feel that the top female drivers have given all of you a "lift" in the sport?

TC: Definitely. That's what the people in the stands, and the kids, see on TV now. The little girls come down out of the stands and say "I want to be a female race car driver". The fans look up to us now. I think that Danica Patrick has helped a lot.

SMM: Do you think that getting sponsorship for females is tougher than for males?

TC: I don't think so. If the people have seen me race, they will stand behind me, and a lot of them would like to sponsor me, not just because there are very few female racers.

SMM: Who are your role models in the race world?

TC: I mainly look up to my dad. Sometimes his lectures might be annoying to listen to, they have come into play a time or two, and by me listening and paying attention to him it helps a great deal!

SMM: Is it your ultimate goal to try different types of racing in the future?

TC: Yes, I would like to move up to sprint cars, Indy, NASCAR -- we will see where it goes. My family is willing to back me up 100%. We are very close, and my dad is thrilled that both of his kids are into this sport.

The staff of SMM wishes to thank Timber Cookson for her cooperation in the completion of this interview and we wish her the best of luck for a successful and safe 2010 racing season.