2020 Honoree

Linda Massingill is one of the fastest women in the automotive industry, but says slowing down to help meet the needs of the next generation is crucial.

Massingill, executive director of SAM Tech, says a “can-do” attitude and confidence in your ability is a sure path to success.

Massingill admits that she felt the need for speed from a young age, from the cars she drove to the man she married.

Massingill and her drag racing husband, Jud, started Northwest Engines in their garage in Houston in the early 1980s. Jud started teaching some customers how to do checks on their own engines. Hiring challenges at the shop led Linda to spontaneously open an educational facility that, since 1985, has become one of the country’s most respected technical institutions.

“I’m proud that I became a member of the 200 MPH Club at the Texas Mile in 2012 with my team of students, mostly veterans. But I’m most proud when a graduate from our school calls us to let us know they got their dream job,” she says.

Massingill says the chances to mentor prospective female students are very rewarding “because, frankly, a lot of females don’t know how to get into this industry. “Hopefully people who read this article will realize this could be a good choice for anyone’s daughter.”