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Tag: Johanna Long

  • Richard Petty’s Comments Are Wrong, But Not Extremely Sexist

    Richard Petty’s Comments Are Wrong, But Not Extremely Sexist

    I am not a man that likes to intrude into the issue of sexism, and that includes politics as well. It is an issue that divides the people. However, we are talking about two different generations here. Richard Petty, who won 200 races and seven cup championships in his career said the following when asked if Danica Patrick would ever find victory lane in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series:

    “If everybody stayed home. If she’d been a male, nobody would ever know if she’d showed up at a race track.”

    I see some truth to Petty’s comments. Now, before I get tackled and pitchforked by Danica Patrick fans, I want to let you know that I disagree with Petty for the most part, and that I support Danica Patrick 100 percent.

    Richard Petty grew up in an entirely different generation than we have. Therefore, his views will reflect a more traditional look at things. We will endure the same problems when we are Petty’s age. A new generation will come in and they will see our way of life rather peculiar and offensive.

    For example, let’s use Darrell Waltrip. Toward the end of Darrell Waltrip’s career, Waltrip was not running very well. Danica Patrick did not have a terrible year for a rookie, but everyone can use improvement. If Patrick were in Waltrip’s position in 1999, it is conceivable that fans would definitely notice Patrick more than Waltrip. That is the point Petty is trying to make. At this point, Patrick is known for looks more than performance on the race track and if Patrick were a male, it would be a different story. I agree with that. Patrick brings publicity and fans to the track. That is what we need as a growing sport.

    Many people are describing Petty’s comments as an “extremely sexist hyperbole.” NASCAR has been a male-dominated sport and it always will be. On the other hand, NASCAR has changed in many ways. The competition is tighter than ever and this will produce random winners at times. With that being said, Danica Patrick could win a race next season, most likely at a plate track.

    To clear everything up: Were the comments sexist? Yes, by definition. However, it is a very sensitive topic in this generation. So, it should not be a shock that people will take Petty’s comments in a negative light. Petty is a legend in our sport and has earned all the accolades.

    Danica Patrick has also earned accolades. Will Patrick ever win seven cup titles and rack up 200 wins? No, that is very doubtful, but Patrick has made a big investment into enhancing women’s athletics. Growing up, most could still not grasp the thought of a woman wheeling a race car. Then in 2004, Danica Patrick came into the spotlight. It was the next year, in 2005, Patrick became the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500. Now, it is starting to become a common trend.

    While women like Jennifer Jo Cobb, Shannon Mudro, Johanna Long, and Cassie Gannis are all fine examples of women trying to make their way to the top racing series in America, it is not just racing. Katie Copple, Ashley Schindler, and Kaitlyn Vincie are three candidates to be the first-ever females to announce a NASCAR race. In 2014, this is something that could soon become reality for three very intelligent, determined individuals. Their quest to achieve broadcasting heaven is just as realistic as mine.

  • Kansas Shows A Halloween Face; Stenhouse Jr. wins the Kansas Lottery 300

    Kansas Shows A Halloween Face; Stenhouse Jr. wins the Kansas Lottery 300

    [media-credit name=”Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]The Nationwide Series race at Kansas was a caution filled display of skills and patience. The freshly paved surface proved to be a wickedly fast, wickedly slick Halloween ghoul. The track management created a surface that after a couple of races and a winter of seasoning will be one of the best tracks in NASCAR. The trick was surviving to get there.

    Brian Scott would be the first casualty with three spins, two of which were unassisted. The third he had contact with the wall removing him from the competition. Johanna Long would have an early day as would Dexter Stacey and Nur Ali.

    The track provided us with visual example of aero effects. The faster the car the lighter the car is on its wheels. The air disruption as another car goes by lifts just enough to make the car literally wrecking loose.

    The day would prove to be frustrating for Kyle Busch, after wrecking the primary car the back up proved to be an unpredictable monster that Busch struggled with all day. Coming back late to lead he ultimately run out of gas between 3 and 4 on the final lap.

    Joey Logano would be involved with Ricky Stenhouse Jr making his day a very long one.  He got both laps back, and ended up finishing third.

    Stenhouse Jr. would get back on the lead lap late in the race after the contact and come back to hold on to win as Busch ran out of fuel.

    Points leader Sadler played a fuel strategy card late in the race. Sadler finished fourth and holds on to the series points lead by 6 points.

    Young Ryan Blaney, was again impressive behind the wheel of the Penske Dodge. Blaney who started in the 27th position drove his way all the way up as high as second. But he also ran out of the gas.

    The most improved performance in the series today came from Danica Patrick. Patrick climbed all the way up to the third place before having to pit for fuel and claiming a 10th place finish. Patrick’s confidence was very evident. Obviously the extra time in a car and the extra laps on the track paid off for her in a big way. It was refreshing to see her actually live up to the expectations placed on her. Hopefully she will remember to thank Greg Zipadelli and the SHR team as well as Ryan Pemberton and her JRM.

    What began as a long drawn out race made a drastic turn at about halfway. The unpredictable monster that is the new Kansas showed her fickle nature. Stenhouse Jr. wins and Busch came up a ½ mile short. But in the end the winner was the fans and it is a victory that will last for years to come.

    “Our Sam’s Club Mustang was fast this weekend. I didn’t see the win coming like this but we will take it. It was in front of a great crowd. I can’t say enough about the fans coming out and supporting us. It is a lot of fun to run in this series and especially to come to Kansas.” Stenhouse Jr. said.

    Unofficial Race Results
    Kansas Lottery 300, Kansas Speedway
    http://www.speedwaymedia.com/n2s/race.php?race=30
    =========================================
    Pos. St. No. Driver Make Points
    =========================================
    1 10 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ford 47
    2 2 3 Austin Dillon * Chevrolet 43
    3 1 18 Joey Logano Toyota 0
    4 7 2 Elliott Sadler Chevrolet 40
    5 8 88 Cole Whitt * Chevrolet 39
    6 6 54 Kyle Busch Toyota 0
    7 21 31 Justin Allgaier Chevrolet 38
    8 14 43 Michael Annett Ford 36
    9 12 12 Sam Hornish Jr. Dodge 35
    10 13 7 Danica Patrick Chevrolet 34
    11 27 22 Ryan Blaney Dodge 33
    12 22 87 Joe Nemechek Toyota 32
    13 23 19 Mike Bliss Toyota 31
    14 37 4 Danny Efland Chevrolet 30
    15 15 14 Eric McClure Toyota 29
    16 5 33 Paul Menard Chevrolet 0
    17 39 40 Erik Darnell Chevrolet 27
    18 4 199 Kenny Wallace Toyota 26
    19 32 52 Joey Gase * Chevrolet 25
    20 24 81 Jason Bowles * Toyota 24
    21 29 1 Mike Wallace Chevrolet 23
    22 33 113 Jennifer Jo Cobb Chevrolet 0
    23 26 38 Brad Sweet * Chevrolet 21
    24 19 8 Scott Lagasse Jr. Chevrolet 0
    25 16 44 Hal Martin Toyota 0
    26 3 11 Brian Scott Toyota 18
    27 42 39 Dexter Stacey Ford 17
    28 17 30 James Buescher Chevrolet 0
    29 40 124 Derek White Toyota 0
    30 31 28 Tony Raines Chevrolet 0
    31 9 70 Johanna Long * Chevrolet 13
    32 43 89 Morgan Shepherd Chevrolet 12
    33 41 41 Nur Ali Chevrolet 11
    34 30 108 Scott Saunders Ford 10
    35 11 51 Jeremy Clements Chevrolet 9
    36 25 100 Blake Koch Toyota 8
    37 36 175 Carl Long Chevrolet 7
    38 34 171 Timmy Hill Ford 0
    39 35 23 Robert Richardson Jr. Chevrolet 5
    40 28 47 J.J. Yeley Chevrolet 0
    41 38 174 Mike Harmon Chevrolet 3
    42 18 10 Jeff Green Toyota 2
    43 20 46 Chase Miller Chevrolet 1
  • Johanna Long: The Rising Star

    Johanna Long: The Rising Star

    [media-credit name=”johannalong.com” align=”alignright” width=”220″][/media-credit]Johanna Long is a true driver.

    From her background to her mindset, she knows the ups and downs of the sport, especially when she runs for ML Motorsports, who is currently seeking sponsorship. She doesn’t expect anyone to pull aside and let her pass by. It’s all about focus and the future.

    “This sport is all about looking forward, not backwards. I set goals for myself and try my best to reach them one race at a time . . . you can’t dwell on the negative, you have to shake it off and move forward.”

    The future is coming up fast, but Long keeps going.

    While many are set on winning, she is aiming to improve in each race. “This whole year is about progressing and improving as much as I possibly can. As a rookie in the Nationwide Series, there is a lot that I have to learn, but I feel like each race that I go to, I’m learning, gaining experience and improving.” Having someone to help you along the way, she added, helps too. “It also helps to have veterans like David Green [her spotter/driver coach] on your team. He has helped me out tremendously this year with adapting to the new cars and tracks.”

    In the few starts she has made this season, Johanna is making gains, capturing two Top Fifteen finishes in her last three races, which includes her highest result of 12th. Her next start is slated for this coming Sunday at Chicagoland.

    Her finishes aren’t the only thing drawing attention to the 20-year-old. The fact that she is a woman racing in NASCAR is also turning heads. When Long thinks of her self, though, all she sees is a driver.

    “. . . there’s no hiding the fact that I’m a female competing in a male-dominated sport, but it’s the profession that I chose, so I knew exactly what I was getting myself into . . . when I strap into my car, I’m not considered a “girl” driver, I’m just a race car driver competing against 43 others. At the end of the day, I evaluate myself as a driver, and I think most people do the same.”

    This mentality is one she inherited from her father, who told her at a young age, if you want to be a good girl driver, then you might as well hang up your helmet. She also states he is why she is racing today. “If it wasn’t for [my dad], I wouldn’t have gotten my very first shot behind the wheel of a go-kart at age 8. I looked up to him when he was racing in Late Models and I always wanted to be just like him. He has been one of my biggest mentors, fans, he has been my coach and of course, my dad. I don’t know what I would do without him.”

    When asked about the next generation of young racers, Johanna offered up this bit of advice: “No matter what obstacles you may face in your career, keep digging. If you have a dream, do everything in your power to reach it. It’s a mind game. If you can see it and believe it, then you can achieve it!” Very heartfelt advice from a driver who’s still young herself.

    As for sponsorship opportunities, she stated that she isn’t picky, including, “All I can say is that I would be very appreciative and thankful for any sponsor.”

    For now, Johanna Long keeps chipping away, achieving small goals and making even bigger personal gains. Her down to earth demeanor and passion for racing fuels her dreams.

    That’s what makes her a true driver.

  • Chase Elliott, Johanna Long and Dakoda Armstrong Prove Racing is a Family Affair

    Chase Elliott, Johanna Long and Dakoda Armstrong Prove Racing is a Family Affair

    [media-credit name=”Barry Albert” align=”alignright” width=”250″][/media-credit]Up and coming NASCAR racers like Chase Elliott, Johanna Long and Dakoda Armstrong may have loads of talent but they also have one other thing in common, the love and support of their family. And each one of them has proven that racing is truly a family affair.

    Thanks to the coaching of his NASCAR champion father Awesome Bill Elliott and the unfailing support of mom Cindy, Chase Elliott is already proving that racing for him is filled with family. The young racer also recently signed with one of NASCAR’s most famous team families, Hendrick Motorsports.

    Elliott raced this past weekend at Greenville Pickens Speedway in one of NASCAR’s developmental series under the banner of HMS. With that start, Chase officially became the youngest driver ever to start a K&N Pro Series East race at the tender age of 15 years.

    Elliott followed in his most popular father’s footsteps from the moment he pulled into the historic race track in South Carolina. Fans lined up well into Turn Four to get the youngster’s autograph and the line remained until the session finally had to be ended so the race could start.

    Elliott, in his No. 9 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, qualified for the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 in the 26th position. His qualifying lap, at a speed of 85.531 miles per hour, was a definite improvement over his practice time but he still started the race deep within the field.

    Elliott had to not only pick his way through the field gradually but also had to overcome a spin on lap 97 to soldier forward. With 23 laps to go, the young driver, with his father in his ear as spotter, manhandled his way to eighth, eventually finishing the race in the fourth spot.

    Ever the competitor, just like his father, Chase Elliott had this to say after his debut.

    “The weekend wasn’t quite what we wanted it to be,” Elliott said. “But it ended up being a pretty good night for the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet.”

    “Having the support of your family and friends for any first time event in your life is always special,” Elliott continued. “I have been fortunate to have the support of a lot of family and friends that have been with me each step of the way.”   

    Just as family has been critical to Chase Elliott’s rise in the sport, so has the family of Johanna Long been instrumental in her move up as a rookie in the Camping World Truck Series this year. She too is following in the steps of her racing father, Donald, who raced in the NASCAR All-Pro Division back in the day.

    Long, at age 18, admits that she is struggling a bit to get that handle on her No. 20 Panhandle Grading and Paving Toyota Tundra truck. In the first three Truck races, she has finished 32nd, 20th and 31st respectively.

    “It’s going,” Long said of her Truck run to date. “We’ve had a lot of bad luck but every time we go to the race track we’ve been learning a lot.”

    “I’m learning and learning and learning.”

    Long was very excited to race this past weekend at Martinsville in the Kroger 250 this past weekend. She was able to harness her excitement to get her best finish to date, bringing her truck to the finish line in one piece and in the 18th position.

    But she still goes back to crediting her family for putting her in the position to pursue her racing dreams.

    “My mom and my dad and my grandparents and my uncle, they all own my team,” Long said. “They are a big part of my career.”

    “They have given me a great opportunity and I can’t thank them enough,” Long continued. “My mom and dad come to every single race and they would not miss it for the world. It’s really neat for them to come and experience this with me.”

    At age 19, Dakoda Armstrong may be the eldest of this group of up and coming racers, but he too got to where he is today thanks to the nurturing of his family, in his case from down on the farm. Thanks to his family’s support, Armstrong recently signed with ThorSport Racing to run a third team to current powerhouse Truck racers Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton.

    Armstrong will run the No. 98 Chevy Silverado for a select number of races this year. Armstrong will also continue his ARCA racing, where last year he won the Rookie of the Year honors.

    Armstrong credits his family with jump starting his racing career. He grew up on a farm in the Midwest, born in New Castle, Indiana.

    “When I was younger, we had cattle and we actually had to sell them so we could go racing,” Armstrong said.

    The investment paid off and this racer’s family farming avocation has even led him to several sponsorship deals, specifically with ethanol coming into the sport and the greening of NASCAR.

    “It’s kind of funny how it worked out,” Armstrong said. “My dad’s farming career and my racing career are starting to mesh right now.”

    “It’s been really neat and it’s a great experience for my family,” Armstrong said of his racing. “They really love it.”

    Regardless of their ages or current racing series, there is no doubt that all three of these up and coming NASCAR future stars have succeeded in moving forward in their young careers thanks to the love, support and nurturing of their families.

    And there is also no doubt that the parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles of Chase Elliott, Johanna Long and Dakoda Armstrong could not be more proud.

  • Johanna Long Declares Family Victory at Snowball Derby

    Johanna Long Declares Family Victory at Snowball Derby

    At her home track, surrounded by her family and over one hundred of her closest friends, Johanna Long laid claim to the coveted Snowball Derby trophy. Long, just 18 years old, became the youngest winner of the infamous race at Five Flags Speedway and just the second female ever to hoist the Tom Dawson trophy.

    “It means a lot to me,” Long said. “It’s my backyard and to have all my family and all my friends come, it was awesome to share it with them.”

    [media-credit name=”One Source Track Photography” align=”alignleft” width=”300″][/media-credit]For Long, being surrounded by family and friends made the win not only special, but also very emotional.

    “Everyone was crying,” Long said. “My dad’s been running this race for ten years and we finally did it. We won the race. So, it was just very emotional.”

    Long, behind the wheel of her No. 10 Panhandle Paving & Grading, qualified well for the 43rd running of the Snowball Derby, the race deemed the unofficial Super Bowl of Short Track Racing for Super Late Models. Long started the race in fourth and worked her way quickly to the front of the field.

    “We started the race and we led a few laps,” Long said. “But then we fell back because we wore our tires out.”
    After getting stuck in the pits, Long quickly got back up to the front of the field. But her tires yet again betrayed her, leaving her and her crew in hope of the next caution.

    “We were waiting for the last pit stop with about ten laps to go and we finally got to pit,” Long said. “We were all on different strategies for pitting so we were scattered all over the place.”

    Long started seventh after pitting for tires and she worked her way to the front of the field, picking spots off one at a time and avoiding the wrecks which had broken out all over the field. She then had to battle one more driver, another up and comer Landon Cassill, for the race lead.

    “Me and Landon Cassill were racing pretty hard and I got into him a little bit,” Long said. “But I came out and he didn’t. Me and Landon go way back and it was after all the last lap of the Snowball Derby. So you’ve got to give it your all.”

    “There were guys out there that are the best of the best,” Long said. “People come from all over to race this race and to beat all of them was pretty awesome.”

    Although this was the only win of the year for Long, she has also valued the seat time she has gotten this season, particularly in the Truck Series. She is also looking to capitalize on her Snowball Derby momentum to carry her and her team into the next year.

    “I know we’re going to run Truck races for sure,” Long said. “Hopefully we will get a whole full season and we’re working really hard for that.”

    Long plans to run the entire 2011 season in her family-owned Truck team, just as she did in the latter part of the 2010 season. She, like so many of her peers, is also in search of sponsorship to support her seat time and her dream.

    “We have great people backing me and a great crew chief,” Long said. “Everyone is giving me a great truck every time I go out there. We just need a little bit of sponsorship so hopefully we can make it.”

    Long hopes that her Snowball Derby win will indeed turn heads her way and perhaps garner her opportunities that she would not have had prior to her victory.

    “Hopefully I did open some eyes and they see that I can do it,” Long said. “I’ve learned a lot and I know that I will be just as good if I can do the same in the truck.”

    Long is also looking forward to the holidays where she will spend some much-needed time off with her family before preparing to take to the track at Daytona for the start of the 2011 season. She is also looking forward to spending time with her sister and new nephew Gage, who was born shortly after her Snowball Derby win.

    “He was born the day after the Derby so we went straight to the hospital,” Long said. “It was a very emotional week.”

    “What a night, what a weekend, what a year,” Long said. “This is what I’ve dreamed of ever since I became a racer. It is my family’s dream and I couldn’t have done it with my dad, my mom and sisters, my aunts and uncles and grandparents.”

    “After a long learning year in the Truck Series, it was awesome to come back to my home track and get this done,” Long said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”