Several seasons ago, Hannah’s natural ability and acumen from UNLV allowed her to cause even John Force to ponder his next comment.

And back at a time when Pontiac was still a brand of GM and sponsored a Pro Stock Special at the LVMS drag strip, there was Hannah interviewing Mike Schmidt. To quote Hannah again: “Much like the Rickards patriarchs, I find no greater joy than imparting my zeal for motorsports, creating unforgettable events, and encouraging everyone to get behind the wheel of a dragster.”

After my wife died unexpectedly in October 2014, there was father Len and Hannah inviting me to the Goldstrom Car Show in Las Vegas. Spending the day with those two photographing cars and talking to racers was great therapy for me. Thank you!

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the most popular tracks in NHRA Division 7. Hannah helps the team participation that has netted the raceway ‘Track of the Year’ several times.

Her main job responsibility at the complex is to:

- Ensure fulfillment of client and partner deliverables by maintaining departmental contract database, designing pre-race documents such as suite guides and vendor information packets, and creating year-end reports

- Manage on-site event elements including vendor midway layout and logistics, Neon Garage setup and entertainment, plus operation of corporate suites

- Support development of sales strategies by compiling research, data collection, and calendars of local upcoming events.

WOW!

She has ‘hands on’ experience too. When the Pure Speed Drag Racing Experience came to the Speedway, Hannah took the instruction and drove their dragster. Then she got her ‘best buddy’, father Len, to do the same. To quote Hannah directly, “Even at an early age, I realized the ‘nitro gene’ might be real after all.

“My grandfather satiated his need for speed through jalopy and boat racing. While a funding shortage derailed his high-speed hobby, he continued sharing his passion with all three of his children. Similarly, my dad passed his love of motorsports to his pigtailed, pink-enthusiast daughter. We followed burning rubber from Denver to Phoenix, and eventually Las Vegas, all while catching as much seat time as possible in everything from Ferraris to dragsters.

“Upon completion of undergraduate studies, I secured the amazing opportunity to host video updates and question-and-answer sessions for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

Another part of Hannah’s beat is the ‘Laps for Charity’ event held yearly during January at the Speedway. For a donation of $30 to Speedway Children’s Charities, anyone with a safe, licensed, and insured car can drive several laps around the track at speeds approaching 100 MPH. Shown above are mom, Sandy, and Hannah at the track waiting while we boys made another pass. DRO photographer Brad Baker even ended up in the Winners Circle!

The ‘Laps’ event draws more than 800 participants and forwards a large amount to the Children’s Charity every year. This writer has made the scene yearly while living in nearby Henderson.