By Robert Haugh
Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen finessed the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger to a very strong Top 5 run in the stellar USAC-Western States field at the 3/8-mile King’s Speedway in Hanford on Saturday, May 19.
Starting on the outside pole, McQueen battled an ill-handling car, against strong competition, getting shuffled back to as low as sixth on the high-speed, but rough track. McQueen advanced to third on Lap 15 at the midway point, only to be shuffled back to fifth, where’d she’d finish, coming home with a Top 5 in the 30-lap feature despite fighting a very loose car.
McQueen surged from her outside third row starting spot to claim second in Heat 2 behind pole sitter Jake Swanson, moving from sixth-to-fourth on the opening lap, then advancing to third on Lap 2 and second on Lap 3.
McQueen timed in mid-pack, clocking in with a 16.787 lap.
McQueen’s poised Top 5 run unofficially makes her the USAC-Western States points leader.
Next up for McQueen Racing is the June 9 USAC-Western States event the 1/3-mile Madera Speedway where McQueen takes the helm on pavement in the McQueen/Eskesen/Rescino Racing #7 Beast/Mopar.
McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Rod End Supply, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.
SUMMARY:
QUALIFICATIONS: 8. 16.787
SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 2. McQueen
FEATURE: (30 laps) 5. McQueen
Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.