Ford -- which lost stars Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch and Kasey Kahne to Hendrick Motorsports' Chevys and Evernham Motorsports' Dodges -- has launched a program to eventually place a woman driver in a full-time, high-profile NASCAR ride. Ford chose Erin Crocker, a 23-year-old Massachusetts native and 16-year racing veteran who has experience competing in quarter-midgets, mini-sprint, winged sprint cars and trucks. "You'd always hear things like, 'A girl doesn't belong in the sport,' " Crocker told the Associated Press. "But I think if you've got the skill and get the respect, you'll be fine. No woman has won a NASCAR or IRL race. But I want to compete with the Tony Stewarts and Jeff Gordons of the world." Ford will monitor Crocker's races in the World of Outlaws series before giving her another test drive. If Crocker succeeds, she could join the midget team of owner Bob East, who trained Gordon and Stewart. Two women now compete in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series -- Kelly Sutton and Tina Gordon [parted-ways last week from #13 ride][:'(][>:]