CONCORD, N.C. -- In honor of Women’s History Month, NASCAR recognized Alba Colon, director of the competition systems group, for her hard work and dedication to being an integral part of Hendrick Motorsports.
“My group at simulation engineer, we spend a lot of time developing tools that will make the race car faster,” Colon said. “A business that is very male-dominated, for example here with NASCAR, you have to work hard to get here.”
Colon was one of five women selected to share their story of making a name in an industry that is male dominated. The resounding message from the strong group of women was to be passionate, follow your dreams and to take risks in trying to achieve those career goals.
Colon joined Hendrick Motorsports in January 2018 in her current role and helps the teams with their simulation programs, data acquisition and strategy tools. She commands a team of engineers to provide the resources needed for the fleet of Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LEs to go as fast as possible on race days.
Colon graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez with an engineering degree in 1994. During her time in school, she worked with Formula SAE International and then landed a job at General Motors in its racing department.
“There will be some times where you have to become a tough cookie, but it’s part of the game and I would not change anything I have done to get to where I am,” Colon said.