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| Caitlin Shaw. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images for NASCAR) |
Up-and-coming driver Caitlin Shaw's second start in the Camping World Truck Series could be a history-making moment for NASCAR.
The 21-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., native will attempt to qualify for tonight's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway in the No. 72 Oil Medics/Community Health Care Services Chevrolet for DMG Racing. If Shaw makes the field, she will be the sixth female driver to race in the series this season. This would set a record for the most women to compete during a single season of any of NASCAR's three top-tier series.
The current record stands at five women who made the field during the 1950 Cup season and the 2009 Truck Series season, as well as this year so far.
The five drivers who have stepped behind the wheel in the Truck Series in 2010 are Rookie of the Year contender Jennifer Jo Cobb, Johanna Long, Michelle Theriault and twins Angela and Amber Cope. Cobb, who owns her own race team, made series history this summer by becoming the highest-ranked female driver in the point standings, reaching the 16th spot. She currently sits 17th.
Shaw made her Truck Series debut in 2009 at O'Reilly Raceway Park. She attends Belmont Abbey College and started an internship with Michael Waltrip Racing in January.
This weekend marks the first time Shaw has raced at Phoenix in a truck.
“Phoenix is a track that I grew up around, and have raced the (USAC) midgets at so getting to compete there in the trucks will be a goal I can scratch off my list," Shaw said. "The transition from a midget to a truck is going to be significant because of the weight difference, but I am glad that I at least have some laps there to be familiar with the layout of the track.”
In Thursday's practices, Shaw was 30th fastest in the first session and 33rd fastest in the second, out of a total of 36 cars.
She plans to compete in several Truck Series races in 2011 depending on sponsorship.
Caitlin Shaw was the first driver profiled in Skirts and Scuffs' Women in NASCAR Series. You can read Shaw's interview by clicking here.
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