FAST WOMEN, FAST TRUCKS HEADING TO LVMS

Source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Date: 05/16/2003

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Don't call this race team a powder puff crew.

One of the most liberating moments in NASCAR history will occur on Sept. 27 when the Aaron's Dream Team, an all-female race team led by driver Shawna Robinson, starts the Las Vegas 350.

The race team that cares more about fast tire changes than Title IX announced today that the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be part of a three-race schedule that includes two races at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6 and Oct. 11.

"It's my job to drive the truck - it's their job to get the truck out of the pits as quickly as possible," said Robinson. "If we all do our jobs and run a good race, then we have a chance of being one of the top teams on the track. I believe that and I know everyone else associated with this team believes that. We're not doing this just for the fun of it; we want to go out and work hard to win just like everyone else. It's going to be special to compete at two outstanding speedways like Las Vegas and Texas."

And in a town known much more for showgirls than racegirls, this team should be quite a hit.

"We're excited that the Aaron's Dream Team has decided to add the Las Vegas 350 to its schedule," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "Shawna has competed at LVMS in both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Winston West Series. She certainly has helped raise the profile of women in motorsports, and this will be another big step in the diversification of our sport."

The Aaron's Dream Team is owned by the Team Texas High Performance Driving School, with owner Mike Starr serving as crew chief.

"We're excited to be teaming up with Shawna again," said Ken Butler, President of Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership. "The idea of an all female pit crew is so unique. Hopefully, the Aaron's Dream Team will be an inspiration for young girls to aspire into this field, and one day their dreams of being a driver or crew member will come true!"

The seven members of the pit crew and one alternate, who were recruited through fitness facilities from the Fort Worth-Dallas area, say they are up to the challenge.

"We are completely dedicated to this effort," said crew member Gina Tomaseski. "I know a lot of people are probably skeptical but we are working hard and know we're capable of competing with the other teams. We just have to stay focused and do the job we've been trained to do."

Tickets are available for the Las Vegas 350 by calling (800) 644-4444 or go online to www.lvms.com. Tickets are available for the O'Reilly 400 and Silverado 350k at Texas Motor Speedway by calling the speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or going online to www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

See Also .:

• Las Vegas Motor Speedway Track Page
• Texas Motor Speedway Track Page

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