NASCAR HAS A NEW GIRL - MICHELLE THERIAULT

Source: MT Racing Inc.
Date: 09/12/2005

MOORESVILLE, North Carolina -- A new female driver is set to make her way onto the NASCAR scene. Michelle Theriault is scheduled to compete in her first NASCAR touring division event on September 17 at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Ore. The 19-year-old will drive the No. 77 NutriSystem Ford Taurus in the NAPA 200 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series race. Her car will be prepared by series stalwart Performance Motorsports.

"My goal has always been to race full-time in NASCAR," said Theriault. "NutriSystem and Performance Motorsports have allowed me to take one step closer. The biggest obstacle I've faced in my career has been connecting with those who believe females can be successful in racing. I can't thank them enough for believing in me."

NutriSystem provides a weight loss program based on quality foods and a nutritionally balanced meal plan. Theriault participated in its Women's Program and safely shed 15 pounds.

"The NutriSystem family is proud to sponsor Michelle," said NutriSystem President, George Jankovic. "She is a true inspiration for women everywhere who are on the go. She has been successful at losing weight and on the race track."

Theriault has spent the past two seasons competing in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. For the second consecutive year, she has qualified for the season ending Championship round, the only female to ever qualify. The first of five rounds is scheduled for September 24 at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway.

"We are pleased to have Michelle drive for our team," said Performance Motorsports owner, Joe Nava. "She has a lot of potential and the talent needed to make it in big-league racing.

"Performance Motorsports is also pleased to have a female driver for the first time in its history. We are proud of our Hispanic ownership and work hand in hand with NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program."

Theriault launched her racing career at age five competing in Quarter Midget competition. After seven seasons and more than 200 victories, her family relocated to Georgia to further nurture her budding career.

She graduated from Quarter Midgets to Legends Cars and once again proved her abilities by winning Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thunder Racing Legends Championship. She earned the distinction of becoming the first female Legends Car Champion and backed up her success with two more championships and more than 20 wins.

After three years of Legends Car success, Theriault moved up to the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series, Pro-Late Model Division at Lanier National Speedway. She finished 20 of 20 events and ended 2003 sixth in the series point championship. The following year, she began competing in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series.

NutriSystem, Inc., headquartered in Horsham, Pa. has been helping America get thin and healthy for the past 30 years. Through its comprehensive weight loss program, NutriSystem developed into a leader in the weight loss industry, and became a publicly traded company in October of 1999 (Symbol: NSI).

Performance Motorsports, based in Glendora, Calif. has been a fixture on the West coast racing scene for more than 30 years. It has fielded entries in the NASCAR's Busch Series, Grand National Division, West Series and Southwest Tour Series. Its past drivers list includes Steve Portenga, Greg Sacks, Joe Bean and Jorge Goeters.

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