From Robert Haugh
Bakersfield, CA – October 15, 2011
Starting sixth and methodically fighting past several strong, fast cars by utilizing the top line, Bakersfield’s Shannon “Lightning” McQueen claimed second in the Bay Cities Racing Association Midget race at the 1/4-mile Lakeport Speedway in Lakeport, CA on Saturday, October 15, her 18th consecutive Top 10 finish and second consecutive second-place run on pavement.
Masterfully piloting the Paul Eskesen #10c Beast/Mopar, McQueen was catching race leader Travis Berryhill as the checkers flew, coming across the line a half car length behind Berryhill in Bob Rosen’s famous #4. Working every line of the track, McQueen diligently fought her way to the front as the car was able to stick on the apron, bottom, middle and top lines of the fast quarter-mile paved oval.
A late race caution bunched the field with around eight laps left. “They [Berryhill and Rosen] did a great job and were fast all weekend … it seemed like Travis’ car would come in really quick and he sort of got away from us and it would take our car 3-4 laps to get going. I think I just needed another lap or two for the win, stated McQueen.
Having started sixth in Heat 2, McQueen maneuvered past her way to a fourth place finish in the eight-lap Heat race. McQueen also placed third in the Dash.
“I would like to thank Paul Eskesen for giving me the opportunity to run his car. He has great equipment that is always well prepared and fast. It is truly an honor to get to drive for Paul, we had a great time and we were fast and competitive all weekend,” said McQueen.
After 19 races, including one feature victory, seven seconds, 12 Top 5s and 18 Top 10s, McQueen has already clinched the Bay Cities Racing Association Dirt points championship with one Dirt race still remaining. McQueen became the first female to win a major Midget championship!
Next up for McQueen Racing is the Bay Cities Racing Association race on Saturday, October 29 at the 1/3-mile Chowchilla Speedway. At that race, McQueen will be joined by 2012 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals teammate, 16-year-old Harli White of Oklahoma, with fellow teammate Michelle Decker of Oklahoma also present to help coach Harli in her Midget debut.
McQueen Racing would like to thank all of 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.
October 15, 2011 – Lakeport, California – Lakeport Speedway
FEATURE: (30 laps) 2. Shannon McQueen
HEAT (8 laps): 4. Shannon McQueen
DASH (4 laps): 3. Shannon McQueen
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Shannon McQueen