Popcorn! Meet Kathy Gall

Popcorn! Meet Kathy Gall

Kathy Gall is a pre-grid worker well-known to all who have worked and raced in motorsport. She joined SRO in 2014 and has been a welcoming face ever since, working in tech and wherever else she can lend a helping hand.

Gall has long been involved in the motorsport community. Her former husband and brother raced, and while a leisurely day at the track can be ideal, Gall wanted to get involved. In 1977 she joined the corner workers, a position she still enjoys today from time to time. Some may remember when she served as a race chairman for a 24-hour race and other national races. She was also co-chief of the SCCA Runoffs.

Having served in multiple positions over the years, Gall has had a front-row seat watching others’ careers.

“I’ve met so many great people along the way,” said Gall. “One of my highlights is watching the drivers throughout their journey. I’ve watched many start at the local level and end at the professional level. I started working grid in the late ’80s because my now husband, Doug, drove a Formula Ford. I thought I would give the grid a try and loved it. I still volunteer at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. I was also recognized as Worker of the Year, which was an honor. “ 

Because of her many years of experience, SRO Motorsports America can run pre-grid alone with herself and co-worker Tara Oram.

“Sometimes when the area that we have to work with is challenging, with the flow of traffic or spectators, we make it work,” said Gall. “The drivers and crew work with us to make it a good experience for them.  With that relationship, we can streamline the process.  We also work closely with Timing & Scoring, which keeps us up to date with grids and ultimate late changes. We are very grateful to them all.”

One highlight must be mentioned: Gall is a well-decorated member of the motorsport community. This past year, she and Oram won the Mike Pasquale Award alongside Annie Bonvouloir. The award was created in memory of Mike Pasquale, who passed away in 2022. The award was presented by Ed Pasquale, brother of Mike, and Greg Gill, President and CEO of SRO Motorsports America.

As she looks ahead to the 2023 season, it is with great excitement that she welcomes another series to her grid and familiar faces.

“I’m excited to see and be a part of the inaugural Toyota GR Cup this year,” Gall said. “But my favorite part of any weekend is the drivers, crews and officials.  I still say we have the best overall paddock in motorsports. 

“I have met so many interesting people along the way, and we don’t know their history in racing. I always thought it would be great to write a book and have a chapter on each one to remember their legacy.”

Gall and GT America powered by AWS begin the season with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Florida, March 3-5. Her weekends get busier starting March 30 at Sonoma Raceway, where the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America and TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School join in the fun and begin the 2023 race season. Watch the races live on the YouTube Channel GT World.