By Robert Haugh
March 12, 2011- Bakersfield, CA
Starting the 2011 racing season strong, Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen rallied her way to a top-five finish in the inaugural John Padjen Classic at Silver Dollar Speedway on March 11.
Working her way around a rough track in the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger in the stellar Bay Cities Racing Association/USAC Western States field, Shannon came home a very strong fourth place behind two National cars (Kody Swanson and Bryan Clauson) and USAC Western States hardcharger Scott Pierovich. After starting ninth in the feature and getting shuffled back to 12th, McQueen surged her way to the top-five finish by masterfully guiding her mount to the front.
In Heat race action, Shannon methodically raced her way from an outside third-row (sixth) starting spot in Heat 3 to finish second, a race, which she moved to second by the halfway point.
After Duane McQueen resolved early fuel issues, Shannon rolled out the third quickest qualifying lap, despite missing hot laps because of the fuel gremlins. Having read the quarter-mile track well with Crew Chief Ty Hindman, Shannon showed veteran prowess by turning out a quick lap.
McQueen unofficially leaves the Silver Dollar Speedway race with the BCRA drivers, owner and Dirt owner and driver’s points lead.
McQueen Racing would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, American Fabrication and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.
Next up for McQueen Racing is the $2,000-to-win “Battle at the Beach” VRA Midget series race on Saturday, March 19 at the 1/5-mile Ventura Raceway.
Summary: Qualifying: 3. Shannon McQueen, 15.006
HEAT 3: (8 laps) 2. McQueen
FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kody Swanson, 2. Bryan Clauson, 3. Scott Pierovich, 4. Shannon McQueen