Lack of female drivers puts spotlight on young Helberg (cont'd)

As for the Busch and Cup series, not a single sign of a female entry.

Well, all is not lost ladies. A further look into the sport's smaller series leads us to Jessica Helberg.

The 19-year-old blonde on wheels is returning for her second season in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program piloting a ride for Bill McAnally Racing in conjunction with Richard Childress Racing.

A third-generation driver who began racing after watching her brother race Outlaw Dirt Karts, Helberg, at age 13, convinced her father to let her drive his old kart.

In 2005, Helberg moved to pavement, racing asphalt Sprint cars before making the transition last season to full-bodied Late Model stock cars.

This year, she will compete with other diversity drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

"I feel like this is my one shot to make it big in NASCAR," Helberg said from her home in Rohnert Park, Calif.

Until the Indy Racing League's Danica Patrick refuels lofty rumors of switching to stock cars, female fans, keep your eye on Helberg.