What makes racing so exciting for you?
What do you like to do when you’re not racing?
The competitive aspect of racing is the best part for me. I have always loved challenging myself and racing in a competitive series allows me to put myself to the test each and every time I get on the race track and that is what drives me.
Although it’s part of my job because racing is very physically demanding, working out and training is a part of my personal life/leisure too. I am into CrossFit and train at CrossFit9 in St. Petersburg, Florida. I also love hot yoga, running and boxing.
What was it like for you to be on of Seventeen’s finalists in their Pretty Amazing Contest?
Do you see yourself racing against Dale Earnhardt or Danica Patrick in the near future?
It was actually very humbling. It was such a huge opportunity and to be one of the five out of 35,000 who entered was surreal. From the exposure it gave me, to the photoshoot, to the entire week in NYC, it was a time and experience that I’ll never forget!
It’s hard to say. I think it would be exciting as my original goal was the Nascar route. Since opportunities have opened for me in Indycar racing, I’ve chosen to pursue that at this time but only time will tell where I end up! How do you get ready for a race? Do you have a special workout or routine?
Were you excited to meet Miranda Cosgrove? Yes, I was excited to meet Miranda. I’ve never been one to get star struck, but I’ve always been fascinated by celebrities and was curious what she’d be like. It’s so awesome to me when big celebrities remain humble and down to earth and Miranda was just that. She was very real and sweet so it was very cool to witness that first hand.
On the day of my races I am sure to have a good breakfast – preferably eggs, wheat toast and some fruit. I like to listen to music, go over data and video footage and usually try to keep myself pretty calm and focused before a race. Growing up, did you find yourself hanging out with guys more than girls? Always. I have always been girly but not so much a “girls-girl”. Most of the time, I have gotten along best with guys because they are more apt to understand the life I live in a male-dominated industry. It’s very hard to connect with people who really don’t understand the passion that I eat, breath, sleep and that is racing!
Shannon at Seventeen’s Pretty Amazing Contest
If you weren’t in the racing profession, what would you be doing instead? I would probably be doing something entrepreneurial in business and marketing. My love and knowledge for business and marketing is what has helped me secure sponsorship for racing and I’m sure that I’d be pursuing something along the same lines although I don’t like to think about not racing!
Do you have any insecurities? Of course, I think we all do. I tend to care about what people think about me more than I should or (Continued on Page 34)