By Robert Haugh
Bakersfield, CA – July 9, 2012
Having overcome adversity after getting caught up in a Heat Race incident and having to transfer through the Semi, Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen methodically worked her way from her seventh starting spot to claim second in an incident-marred 30-lap USAC-Western States Midget feature at the ¼-mile Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, CA.
Masterfully and patiently guiding the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger to the front of the stellar 21-car field, McQueen avoided multiple incidents, steadily climbing to the front, despite having a cut right rear tire and broken right rear shock.
McQueen surged into the Top 5 on Lap 12 then stormed into second by overtaking Shane Golobic and fast-timer Scott Pierovich on Lap 16, hanging on to claim second with a flattening right rear tire behind Cory Kruseman.
After getting towed off on a hook with heavy damage after getting collected by another car’s spin on the initial lap of Heat 4 (after the same car had already caused a complete restart), McQueen’s team swiftly repaired McQueen’s mount, rebounding with a second-place run in the Semi, just minutes after running the Heat race.
“I would like to thank Ty Hindman, Kent Stephens and my dad Duane McQueen for their hard work to overcome a tore up car after the heat race. They gave me a perfectly repaired car that we had a chance to contend for the win. What seemed like it was going to be a bleak points night turned out very decent for us,” stated Shannon McQueen.
McQueen was eighth quick in the 27-car field in qualifications.
McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, five Top 5 runs and six Top 10s on the year. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Michelle Decker in April at Bakersfield Speedway.
McQueen carries a 75-point USAC-Western States points lead into her next event, Saturday, July 14 at the 1/3-mile Madera Speedway in Madera, CA as part of the annual Gerhardt Classic. McQueen will be contending for the win in the 100-lap feature aboard the McQueen/Eskesen/Rescino Racing #7 Beast/Mopar on the speedy paved track.
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. 13.661
FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 5. McQueen
SEMI (12 laps): 2. McQueen
FEATURE: (30 laps) 2. McQueen
Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.