DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — The 2009 ARCA season marks another step forward in Alli Owens’ career. The 20-year-old, Daytona Beach, Fla., native is entering her first year with D’Hondt Motorsports as driver of the No. 19 ElectrifyingCareers.com Toyota. As Owens continues to progress up the racing ladder, she will always look back at the lessons learned from Lyn St. James at the Women in the Winner’s Circle Academy as a pivotal piece in her development.
In 1994 Lyn St. James established a driving academy to develop up-and-coming race car drivers. Since its launch, more than 250 drivers have graduated from the program, which aims to teach the on-track and off- track skills it takes to be competitive in motorsports.
“We focus on physical fitness, mental preparation, business savvy, media training, on-track experience and technical knowledge in our development program,” said St. James. Owens was one of 20 girls accepted from several applications to attend the 2004 program in Arizona.
St. James remembers the determination that Owens demonstrated throughout the program. Owens’ resolve made an impact on the ground-breaking instructor.
“We’ve had over more than 200 drivers come through the academy,” said St. James. “What stuck out to me about Alli was her willingness and determination. She would do whatever it takes to raise the level of her game. Whether it was her fitness, her media skills, she always gave 100 percent. Not everybody has what it takes. It definitely isn’t easy, but Alli’s determination made a lasting impression on me.”
Owens continued to demonstrate her determination following graduation. She progressed through the Mini Stock and Late Model ranks before reaching the ARCA Series in 2008. Owens even landed her current sponsor, ElectrifyingCareers.com, after pitching them the advantages of racing in their board room.
Owens’ team owner, Eddie D’Hondt, is well known throughout racing for his success in the sport. Owens believes his leadership will help take her career to the next level in 2009. St. James shares Owens’ confidence, but will not set expectations for the season. St. James knows Owens has several of the aspects it takes to succeed in racing, but the multifaceted sport will take the right balance between her and her crew to make it to victory lane.
“I don’t want to set too high of an expectation for her upcoming season," continued St. James. "It takes so many elements to be successful. Alli does all of the off-track stuff very well. She’s fabulous at her sponsor needs and media. On the track, her performance has great potential. She’s with a strong team this season, but it’s not fair to make predictions. Communication with the team, her technical skills, may take time to develop. I know her determination and focus will always keep her going.”
Although Owens graduated from the program five years ago, she knows she will rely on the skills learned from St. James throughout her career.
“Lyn and I have been close friends since I attended her driving development program,” said Owens. “She has been a big influence in my career and hopefully will be for the rest of our lives. I know I can always get solid, honest advice from Lyn and that she will always be someone I can count on. I’ve learned so much from her about every aspect of racing. What she taught me is a solid foundation for the rest of my career.”
Owens will compete in Saturday’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway driving the No. 19 Toyota.
