Daytona Beach, Fla. (January 25, 2011) ? A little over a week ago, Alli Owens announced on her social media channels that she intended to make her NASCAR debut in the Camping World Truck Series at her home track, the Daytona International Speedway. To do so, Owens asked her fans to raise the additional capital needed to fulfill the monetary commitment to run the race. With the help of those fans, a few local businesses and a new website, Owens announced today she will indeed make her debut in NASCAR during the NextEra Energy Resources 250 driving for Ray Hackett Racing, an experienced team based out of Salisbury, N.C.
Owens was able to raise the funds after getting support from Mullinax Ford, a dealership from New Smyrna, Fla.; local Daytona Beach area chapters of the IBEW and NECA to promote www.thequalityconnection.org, a website dedicated to the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee of the Electrical Construction Industry; and also her fans, who helped her raise enough funds to complete the sponsorship needed.
?It?s amazing that in such a short period of time everything has come together like it has,? said Owens. ?I went to Twitter and Facebook and put the word out there that we needed help. Almost immediately we had people jumping on board. It?s been humbling, and I?m so truly grateful for the businesses and fans who have helped me.?
Owens has three top-10 finishes in the ARCA Series and started on the outside pole at Daytona in the series in 2009. Owens will be the only female competitor from Daytona Beach competing at Speedweeks in 2011.
?I?m really honored to race for the city of Daytona Beach, the local IBEW and NECA chapters, Mullinax Ford and my family in the area,? said Owens. ?Growing up, the Daytona International Speedway meant everything to me. It still does, and I?m ready to make a successful NASCAR debut there. It?s going to be a special day.?
Owens will stay in North Carolina to help with the team the remainder of this month and into February. She will travel with the team to Daytona, where their first practice is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16.
). Like there’s a lot more “competitors from Daytona Beach”…?? Who was the last driver from Daytona to even WIN at Daytona? Was it Fireball Roberts (well, he was from Apopka originally, wasn’t he?)? Is Mark Martin considered “from Daytona Beach” these days?