From Robert Haugh
Returning to action at one of the several tracks she holds track records at, Bakersfield’s Shannon “Lightning” McQueen opens her 2014 racing season on Friday, March 21 at the Bay Cities racing Association event at the 3/8-mile Stockton 99 Dirt Track in Stockton at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton.
Chauffeuring the McQueen Racing #7 Lucas Oil/Simpson Race Products Spike/Esslinger by Duane McQueen, Bakersfield’s McQueen is hoping for a strong showing in her maiden California Midget race of the 2014 season.
In last year’s BCRA event at the track, McQueen started in the top five in practice, before suffering mechanical woes. With little time, her team repaired the car and she entered qualifications last of the 22 entries, getting only one lap due to missing her original position in the qualifying order – she took full advantage of the lap, blistering the track in 16.513 seconds, garnering her a fifth track record. McQueen then advanced from sixth to second in her Heat race. Due to switching to a backup car, McQueen had to start at the rear of the main event, starting 19th and methodically charging her way forward on the fast, yet rough track, moving into the Top 10, prior to dropping out with mechanical gremlins.
“I am excited to return to this very fast track and defend our track record there. Hopefully, we rebound from the woes that bit us there last year and can open this season strong,” stated McQueen.
McQueen became the first woman to win a BCRA Midget championship in 2011 when she claimed the BCRA Dirt Midget crown, then claimed the 2012 USAC-Western States Midget championship, amassing four Heat race wins, nine Top 5 runs, three fast time awards and 13 Top 10s in 2012. McQueen also holds four track records at the 99 Dirt Track in Stockton, Calistoga Speedway, Silver Dollar Speedway and Orange Show Speedway.
McQueen is also the first female owner to boast a win with a female driver when Oklahoma’s Michelle Decker won a USAC Western States Midget Feature in April 2012 at McQueen’s home track of Bakersfield Speedway at the helm of one of McQueen’s potent Spike/Esslinger entries.
McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, Simpson Race Products, Eibach Springs, DMI, Rod End Supply, K&N Filters, Advanced Racing Suspensions, MPD, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports, Western Open Wheel Racing News and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.
Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.