In a Late Model season that saw much controversy and drama, a unique subplot took place at The All American Speedway.
On most Saturday nights, fans were treated to seventeen or so cars taking the green flag. In that field, six of the drivers were women. That’s over 35%!
“Girl Power” aside, there’s something that all these ladies share in common. Instead of being known as a great female race car driver, they would prefer to be known as a great race car driver who just happens to be a woman.
Let’s be honest here. In a sport dominated by men, respect for a female driver does not come easy. It simply must be earned. Results though, are an inroad. A win goes a long way to smoothing out an otherwise bumpy trip.
Wilton’s Laura Hayes (#22) did it. Sealy, Texas’ Kristin Bumbera (#00) did it twice!
Roseville’s Shannon Mansch (#61) did it too! She picked up her first win on August 16th.
So let’s talk about Shannon’s results. In twenty-three starts this season, she has one win, twelve top fives, nineteen top tens, and she was ranked fourteenth in the State of California. She placed fourth in points at AAS. Enough said? I think not!
Chase: “Shannon, Congratulations on your most respectable fourth place finish in the points! Not only did you finish fourth in what was a highly contested field this season, you were the top female chase contender.”
Shannon: “It was a very interesting and long season. I focused on making myself better in communicating what the car was doing and what I needed from my car. That is one of the most important parts for the driver. I know I can drive my car; it’s just making it better and giving it was I need. I feel towards the end of the season this paid off when we had long runs the car would handle at its best.”
Chase: “Would you mind taking us through some of what you believe were the highlights of your journey?”
Shannon: “My journey has been a long one as I have been racing for 21 years. I’ve seen the changes throughout the many years with racing. Some are good and some are discouraging. I have been very lucky that I have had many people supporting me throughout my racing career.
My Mom and Dad were my biggest supporters and played a huge part. When I was younger I pretty much grew up around this race track. My Dad used to race a bomber in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988. So I was not always old enough to go into the pits. I raced a bomber in 1988, Mini stock in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993. Modified in 1997 and 1998. One year I was a trophy girl, I won't tell you want year that was...
My husband, Michael Mansch has supported me with my racing the last 12 years as my crew chief. He is the best crew chief I’ve ever had!” He does a great job making sure that my car is the best, and he always pushes me to make sure I do my best!
Chase: “Could you take us back to your win on August 6th? Tell us about that day.”
Shannon: “Usually the car is great off the trailer. However, the track is constantly changing so we have to adjust the car to make it fast for when the sun goes down. Mike is really good in making the necessary changes to my car, he knows my car and he knows how I like to drive my car. He is always trying to make it better!”
Chase: “What were you working on in hot laps?”
Shannon: “Making sure the cars turns in the center of the corner.”
Chase: “What are your pre-race thoughts?”
Shannon: “I always tell myself, drive other drivers like you want them to drive you. I like a good race. I want to feel like I worked for that position and I passed cleanly in order to take the spot. If you bang and take people out, karma will come around and get you some day, some how!”
Chase: “There was a controversy during one of the late race restarts, what can you remember about that restart?”
Shannon: “I know how Paulie likes to do restarts, I was ready, however the cars in the rear were not. I did not have a problem with how he was doing the restarts, I was ready. I felt bad for the cars that got wrecked that were in the rear so I understood why the officials put him to the rear.”
Chase: “Tell us what’s going on inside your head when you crossed that stripe for the win.”
Shannon: “About time! The team needed it, they work so hard...
I’d really like to thank each member for their efforts by name:
Michael Mansch, Crew Chief
Jeff Perry, Body and Sheet Metal Specialist
Mike Ryan, Tire Management
Jose Carrillo, Motor Tuner/Maintenance
Mary Cox, Driver's Assistant, Chef, in charge of uniforms
Bill Mansch, Hauler Driver
Jason Philpot, Crew
Jim Philpot, Crew
Jillian Mansch, Crew
Carter Flygare, Crew
Heidy Edwards, Crew
The sponsors are always happy when you win too! A huge thanks to Super Clean, Factory Motor Parts, Freeport Automotive, Macreations, Stars, CFI, and Scott's Performance Wires. August 6th… I think I had some good luck that night. We had a good car and I was in the right place on the right lap.”
Chase: “Do you believe you accomplished the goals you set for yourself and your team?”
Shannon: “Our goal was to finish a top 5 in the points. We finished 4th so yes, we achieved the goal we set.”
Chase: “Please share with us how Mansch Motorsports came to be.”
Shannon: “Super Clean Chevy Monte Carlo is housed at Mansch MotorSports. My husband put our race shop together as we both race and needed a place to work on both cars.
Mike is available to work on all types of race cars, from building them to setting them up and even fixing race cars, we have the capability to do it all! Find us online at: www.manschmotorsports.net”
Chase: “Tell us the great racing love story. How did you two meet?”
Shannon: “We met at the track at Roseville when I was racing my Pro-Four and he was helping me on my crew. We have been married for 12 years with no children.”
Chase: “Do you ever have to hug and kiss him when he’s all greasy and sweaty from working on the car?” (Editors note: eeewww!)
Shannon: “Hugs and kisses?? All the time, mostly after my races when I am all dirty and sweaty and smell like a race car. Ha ha ha....”
Chase: “You’re both race car drivers. Has there ever been a moment when it came down to you two racing for a win?”
Shannon: “One year at Roseville we started side by side on the pole and raced 3 laps side by side. We were giving each other tire marks, pretty fun!”
Chase: “Hypothetically, if he was first and you were second with three to go, who would win?”
Shannon: “When we race, I consider him a driver. I know we are a team, but I would expect him to drive me just as hard as any other driver out there and he would expect the same from me!”
Chase: “This season has seen a very talented young group of up and coming female drivers at AAS. Fans have been treated to the racing likes of Kristin Bumbera, Laura Hayes, Mackena Bell, Katie Hagar, Lindsay Barton and of course, you included. As the veteran of the group, what would you like to say to all the young girls who might look up to you and think “if Shannon Mansch can do it, then so can I!”
Shannon: “Don't give up, it is hard at times! Make sure you are good to the fans and learn from all of your fellow racers."
