The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

ARCA: Shawna Robinson takes fourth in ARCA Race

25 May 1999

CONCORD, N.C. -- Shawna Robinson placed fourth in last Saturdays Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series race at Lowes Motor Speedway at Charlotte. She also scored the STP-Prestone Highest Finishing Rookie honor.

Robinson, who substituted for injured driver David Keith, powered the Kranefuss-Mayfield owned No. 8 Kmart Kids Race Against Drugs Ford to a fourth-place finish in the EasyCare Certified 100 from the 12th starting position. Despite early race contact with Ken Bouchard, causing minor damage to the drivers-side fender, Robinson continued to carve her way through the field. Twenty-seven caution laps helped Robinson conserve enough fuel to forego pit-side service and secure her second top-five finish of the season.

The drivers and owners were forewarned in the pre-race meeting that the race could be cut short due to time restraints and television commitments. The race ended early and eliminated any chance for Robinson to move in for the win.

"There was a real good chance I could have gotten around the No. 3 car (Kirk Shelmerdine) had the race not been cut short," said Robinson. "I would have loved to have placed in the top three. I want to prove that I can drive a race car.

"This was a very visual race, with the fans and all the NASCAR teams watching. I was out of racing for four years, and I came back with two top-fives in just two races. Im very happy with my performance. A month ago, I didnt even know I would be racing in Charlotte."

Robinson finished second in the 1999 season-opener in Daytona Beach, Fla., her first-ever ARCA race. The Charlotte, N.C., resident raced in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National

Division for five seasons and is the first woman to win a Busch Series pole position (1994) with a track record of 174.330 mph at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Robinsons next ARCA race is at Tallagdega (Ala.) Superspeedway in the No. 1 Bob Evans Restaurants Racing Chevrolet. She is already planning her goals and strategies for the next race and beyond.

"My goal is to develop a strong relationship with the Michael Kranefuss-Mayfield team and crew chief Tim Weiss," she said. "Until my next race, all I can do is stay visually focused and keep in shape. I want to race more."

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.