By Robert Haugh
Bakersfield, CA – November 19, 2011
Concluding her 2011 Dirt racing schedule, Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen was on her way to what was likely yet another Top five run until she fell victim to hyper aggressive competitors on Lap 9 at the USAC-Western States/VRA Racing Series “Battle of the Beach” finale at the 1/5-mile Ventura Raceway on Saturday, November 19.
McQueen started fourth and moved into third on the start, where she ran for several laps before getting shuffled back to sixth after hooking a rut on Lap 5, still hanging onto a potential Top five run. Unfortunately for McQueen, her patient and smooth run was halted on Lap 9 when she encountered an over aggressive driver, getting turned over, damaging the car and ending her streak of 20 consecutive finishes, officially being scored 18th, McQueen Racing’s first DNF all season.
Masterfully piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger, McQueen claimed Heat 3 from the pole, cruising her way to a half second win over Danny Ebberts and outside pole sitter Robby Josett. McQueen was consistently among the fastest, most consistent cars among the 33-car field, within two tenths of the fastest lap times.
After 21 races, including one feature victory, six seconds, 12 Top 5s and 19 Top 10s, McQueen clinched the Bay Cities Racing Association Dirt championship prior to the final BCRA Dirt race, becoming the first female to win a major Midget championship. McQueen also boasts seven Heat race wins, two Dash wins and two fast time awards, including a track record at Silver Dollar Speedway. In addition to McQueen’s finishes, McQueen Racing also has a pair of Top 5 runs by 2012 McQueen Racing Chili Bowl teammates Michelle Decker and Harli White.
Next up for McQueen Racing is the USAC National/Western States Turkey Night Grand Prix at the ½-mile Irwindale Speedway on Thursday, November 24. McQueen will be chauffeuring Mason Cook’s #10 Beast/Mopar in her third pavement start of the season. In her two pavement starts this year, she has two second-place runs.
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.
Additional 2012 Chili Bowl Sponsors include: American Waste Control, MurfDogg Motorworks, RC 4 Less, Waurika Truck and Tire, Starrship Trucking, Carter Custom Finishes, Quantum Consulting, LLC, Hoosier Tires and Mud-X.
Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.
SUMMARY:
November 19, 2011 – Ventura, California – Ventura Raceway
FEATURE: 18. Shannon McQueen
HEAT 2 (8 laps): 1. Shannon McQueen