Jenna Grillo, “I am so proud to be a part of the CPC’s efforts to bring awareness to chronic pain!”
My name is Jenna Grillo, I currently reside in Indianapolis, Indiana and I am 19 years old. My parents brought me to the 2007 Indy 500, and my entire life changed. I had been a competitive dancer since I was three years old, so I had no idea what to expect. I was definitely on the Danica Patrick bandwagon. Seeing a beautiful woman in a field of all men race car drivers was so amazing to me …
Lynne interviews Jenna Grillo and Jenna’s Mother Shanon Grillo
Jenna’s interview Pt. 1
Jenna’s interview Pt. 2
Thank you so much! I’ve been working so hard and it’s really nice to see it pay off. I was jumping with joy when the NFA and CPC stickers were put on my car! I am so proud to announce our partnership!!! I only imagine how much we’re going to effect the world of fibro and chronic pain if I keep up these impressive finishes!
Jenna Grillo interview from Community Pain Center on Vimeo
Jenna Grillo, “I am so proud to be a part of the CPC’s efforts to bring awareness to chronic pain!”
My name is Jenna Grillo, I currently reside in Indianapolis, Indiana and I am 19 years old. My parents brought me to the 2007 Indy 500, and my entire life changed. I had been a competitive dancer since I was three years old, so I had no idea what to expect. I was definitely on the Danica Patrick bandwagon. Seeing a beautiful woman in a field of all men race car drivers was so amazing to me.
When the race started my eyes were glued to the race, and I was cheering her on. I even borrowed my uncle’s headphones and tuned into all of the drivers radios, although my uncle didn’t get them back until the race was over.
I was always amazed at the strength it takes to reach that level of racing in a male dominated sport. My family and I had a twelve hour car ride home. I sat in silence for about an hour deep in thought; finally I asked my Dad the steps I would take to become a race car driver. My Dad said that he thought karting is the first step. he figured it would be an expensive sport, although he liked the idea of tires and gears rather than sequins and tap shoes. The next weekend we went to a race at a nearby track, and we ended up buying a kart, the following weekend I started racing. Ever since that weekend, I have been improving, and moving towards my racing career.
After a few years of karting I left my local track and began racing regionally in a 125cc stock Honda shifter kart. I started by winning my first race, and the following and so on. I was awarded the SKUSA S5 (junior shifter) Midwest championship! After the regional season ended I decided that I wanted to take it further, so I attended the SKUSA Super Nationals which is one of the biggest kart races in the country. With 500+ racers from all over the world, this could be very intimidating, although the only feeling that I had was excitement.
The next two years I attended the regional series as well as the SKUSA Protour (national series). In 2013, I moved up the S2 (semi-pro) class, and won the SKUSA S2 Midwest championship.
In 2013, at the Rock Island Grand Prix karting street race in Rock Island Illinois, I was introduced to the Intercontinental Trophy Cup Series owner, Dougie Livingston. He recognized my passion for racing and encouraged me to begin testing in their Spec Porsche Cayman racecar. I have tested this car at Putnam Park in Indiana and the famous Sebring Racetrack in Florida. Through these test days the ITC team has confidence that I am ready to begin racing at this level.
