Shannon McIntosh LATEST SNIPPET Shannon McIntosh – Sophomore year in F2K. Still working to overcome her overdriving habits from dirt racing. Placed 15th and 23rd at Sebring on 3/15 and 3/16.   Profile News Shannon McIntosh Named Hard Charger at St Pete Truecar Forms Sponsorship Association with Mazda Road to Indy Driver Shannon McIntosh USF2000 driver Shannon McIntosh tells all about her “Pretty Amazing” Season Results Schedule Snippets Related Issue: Women Racers Directory, Women in Racing, Women Racers, More Women in Racing, Race Schedules, Notable Women Contact: eMail | www.ShannonMcIntosh.com Direct access to this web page: http://bit.ly/eY852C Profile Age: 21 years old single Height: 5’ 1½” Weight: 112lbs. Date of birth: July 24, 1989 Hometown: Miamisburg, Ohio Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Driving since age 5, Shannon is nationally recognized by the most respected leaders in Motorsports, and has amassed over 100 combined victories. She is the highest ranking female on pavement in the Midwest being named “Asphalt Driver of the Year.” Ms. Excitement (as her fans have dubbed her) has also been awarded the coveted Kara Hendrick Memorial Scholarship while attending Lyn St. James’ Driver Development Program. Her image resonates well with both male and females alike, in all demographics, aligning well with numerous product categories. She is driven, dedicated and takes pride in not only her passion... but in everything she represents. Shannon is an excellent ambassador and spokesperson for any company, daily honing her marketing and communication skills through media recognition in dozens of print, radio, and television markets. News Shannon McIntosh Named Hard Charger at St Pete Shannon McIntosh was a busy woman heading into round three and four of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda on the Streets of St. Petersburg as the only locally-based competitor racing in one of the scheduled 10 events. During her first race of the weekend in her No. 18 TrueCar Mazda, she passed 14 cars to finish 11th and was also awarded the “Tilton Hard Charger Award” for passing the most number of cars. “I’m really happy with our weekend result,” said McIntosh. “Although we didn’t get quite what we were hoping for in the second race, I took so much positive from this weekend. One thing I took out of the second race was that I can improve on my ability to adjust to new conditions as the race track had less grip after the rain in the morning. All in all, I couldn’t be happier or more thankful for TrueCar and Pabst Racing at my hometown race!” On the heels of opening her 2012 season at Sebring International Raceway, McIntosh returned to her residence of St. Petersburg, Fla., in preparation for the first street race of the season. With a slew of interviews behind her, McIntosh began practice on Thurs., Mar. 22 in her No. 18 TrueCar Van Diemen-Mazda in preparation for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg support races. The following day, she had just one other 30-minute practice session in advance of qualifications where she had an ill-handling racecar. As soon as Race #1 began, McIntosh got to work to move her way up the field. Her Pabst Racing Services team had corrected the handling issue she was experiencing earlier in the weekend and McIntosh was able to advance 14 positions to finish just outside the Top-10 in front of her home crowd, which included a slew of friends and family. “I’m really excited about our result after the first race,” said McIntosh. “We accomplished all of our goals and have a great handling car. It was also really great to meet a crew for TrueCar before the race; they were my good luck!” Following the first race, McIntosh was awarded a contingency award titled, The Tilton Hard Charger Award, for the driver who gained the most positions during the race. The following day, as an opener for the headlining IZOD IndyCar Series race, McIntosh and the 33 other USF2000 competitors took to the track for Race #2 on the weekend and round four of the 2012 schedule. Staring 18th, which was determined from lap times in Race #1, and with a slew of caution periods, McIntosh didn’t have much time to work her way up the field, but went on to finish 16th. During the race, McIntosh was penalized 30 seconds for a false start and was said to have passed a car before the start line, which in the end, hampered her end-result finishing position. McIntosh, a sophomore USF2000 competitor originally from Miamisburg, Ohio, is scheduled to host The Grand Prix After Party at PUSH Ultra Lounge, the after party long hosted by the late two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Proceeds from the party will benefit the Dan Wheldon Family Trust. Tickets for entry are $10 at the door. In addition to TrueCar, additional racing support on McIntosh’s No. 18 program is being provided by: CLEARBook, Fusion 1560 City Apartment Homes, TAG Heuer timepieces, Arai Helmets, Alpinestars, CrossFit9, Anytime Fitness St. Pete, U! Creative, and YogaBlu Studio. Returning to the track for her fifth race of the 2012 USF2000 season, McIntosh will return to Lucas Oil Raceway for the first oval race of the season on May 26, titled, “The Night Before the 500.” Practice for the event will begin on Fri., May 25. Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the USF2000 National Championship, presented by Cooper Racing Tires and powered by Mazda, is one of three series of INDYCAR’s “Mazda Road to Indy” ladder system and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program. Source: http://femaleracingnews.com/road-racing/open_wheel/shannon-mcintosh-named-hard-charger-at-st-pete/ McIntosh lands ride with Pabst for 2012 Shannon McIntosh will compete in the 2012 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda for Pabst Racing Services, team officials announced Feb. 16. McIntosh will pilot the No. 18 car sponsored by TrueCar. "After testing Shannon at Autobahn this past October, we were impressed with her intensity and commitment to work with the team to get results,” said Augie Pabst, President, Pabst Racing Services. “We are thrilled to be working with Shannon and Truecar for the 2012 USF2000 Series season and can't wait to get started!" McIntosh, a 22-year-old from Miamisburg, Ohio, cut her teeth on dirt and paved ovals in the Midwest through Quarter Midgets, Micro Sprints, Mini Sprints and most recently, Midgets under the guidance of legendary team owner Bob East. Given her past, she made a sharp turn in 2011 competing in the USF2000 series for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. Despite the fact that McIntosh was taking her first bid at road racing, her best result of the season came on a road course. "After testing at the end of the 2011 season with Pabst, I couldn't be happier to join their team going into my second year of road racing,” said McIntosh. “The Pabst team understands my background and developmental needs as a driver progressing into open-wheel. I am 100 percent positive they will give me the best opportunity for success. I have learned that having a team behind you, who supports you and is willing to work towards one common goal is of absolute importance and I couldn’t be more optimistic going into 2012." McIntosh’s pursuit of INDYCAR began when she started racing at age 5. A career that originally started for fun with her family, continued as she spent time developing her understanding and ability to leverage the business side of motorsports. Given her modest upbringing, she has worked tirelessly to help raise capital to continue to fund her racing career, recently landing a multi-year sponsorship contract with TrueCar, Inc. TrueCar, creators of the new car pricing information website TrueCar.com, is leveraging their self-made “Women Empowered” initiative as an extension of the company’s efforts to empower women in the new car buying experience. "Shannon is a fierce competitor with tremendous potential, and a wonderful brand ambassador for TrueCar, our dealer partners, and our key supporters through the 'Women Empowered' initiative,” said Charles Kim, TrueCar’s Director of Motorsports. “Her decision to join Pabst Racing Services is another great step in her development through the ‘Mazda Road To Indy' ladder system, as Pabst has a long history of winning races and championships. With Shannon, TrueCar, and Pabst working together, we're looking forward to a great USF2000 season in 2012." In addition to TrueCar, McIntosh’s effort is also supported by TAG Heuer timepieces, Arai Helmets, Alpinestars, CLEARBook, Mazda North American, Cooper Tires, CrossFit9, Anytime Fitness St. Pete, YogaBlu Studio, and Baker & Daniels. McIntosh will kick off the 2012 season on March 16 in Sebring, Fla in support of the 12 Hours of Sebring and continue with a 14-race schedule in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda. Source: http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51174-mcintosh-lands-ride-with-pabst-for-2012/ McIntosh aims to follow in Patrick's tire marks The next female Izod IndyCar Series driver from the United States could be in the sport's pipeline already. Shannon McIntosh just finished her rookie season in the USF2000 National Championship. For drivers who hope to reach the IndyCar Series, the series serves as the first step on the Mazda Road to Indy. "I want this more than anything," the 22-year-old Miamisburg native said. "I'm a driver, and I'm not just here for the glitz and glamour. I want to win. I'm going to persevere until I get there." Once an aspiring NASCAR driver, McIntosh was the lone female on the USF2000 circuit this season. She finished eighth in the standings driving for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. "I knew going into it that it was going to be a steep learning curve, but I didn't realize how big of one until I was actually there and doing it," McIntosh said. "I learned a lot. I think, in preparation for next year, I'm in a really good place to be competitive." Danica Patrick's decision to move to NASCAR full-time next season has raised McIntosh's profile as the only American-born female driver in IndyCar's feeder system. "I've seen (McIntosh). She's really, really good," IndyCar chief executive officer Randy Bernard said. "From the appearance and the personality and her efforts in wanting to promote the series and the sport and herself, I really think a lot of her." McIntosh has been working with BRANDed, a Florida-based agency founded by Sarah Fisher's former public relations representative. She gained national exposure this year as one of five finalists for Seventeen Magazine's "Pretty Amazing" cover girl contest, with a feature due out this month. The contest included an MTV special. "It was a huge opportunity," McIntosh said. The offseason figures to be busy with physical conditioning, some karting, networking and hunting for sponsorship for the 2012 season. But McIntosh isn't of the mindset that she needs to be a carbon copy of Patrick to climb the IndyCar ladder. "I have the confidence that I have the talent to be competitive week-in and week out and winning races in IndyCar in the next few years," she said. "I also believe that what I have to offer to IndyCar and all of (its) fans is something that they haven't seen before." Source: news.cincinnati.com/article/20110929/SPT0601/109300370 USF2000 driver Shannon McIntosh tells all about her “Pretty Amazing” Season As I head into the last race of the season at the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix, I reflect back to the start of this season and the whirlwind it’s been. In addition to the close of the season, I have the opportunity to reflect on the recent end of the Seventeen magazine “Pretty Amazing” contest, which has been one of the coolest experiences of my life. This contest was different than anything I’ve ever done. It is a huge accomplishment to be one of the top-five finalists (out of 35,000 who entered) in the competition where one of us would be on the cover of Seventeen, a magazine that reaches 13 million monthly readers! At the beginning of the season, everything was extremely hectic and I was fully focused on the start of my first full season since 2006 in a new series, learning a new craft. It was March and we were entering our second race of the season when my management group, BRANDed, came to me with yet another opportunity! Some of you may remember the video contest we did a year ago encouraging YOU to turn OFF your cell phones and “Don’t text and drive”. In all honesty, I wasn’t super enthusiastic about it because I was focused on the start of my season and my performance on the track. However, I went ahead and came up with a short essay and we went ahead and submitted an entry. Here’s what I wrote: At age five, my family and I entered a world that would later shape my life, character, personality and future forever. The industry was racing and I would start driving racecars the same year I began Kindergarten in Miamisburg, Ohio. I was the kid at the front of the line, the kid who won the fundraising competitions, participated in Student Government, was involved in my school, graduated in the top ¼ of my class, was elected for homecoming court and a two year National Honors Society member. But I was different than everyone – always have been, always will be and that is something that has stuck with me, defined me and given me confidence. At age five, I won my first race and never looked back. At the age of fourteen, I started realizing I could pursue racing professionally. Between now and then, I’ve been through nonstop ups and downs giving it my all to find sponsorships, connections and the means to be a professional racecar driver. Today, I am a fully funded and paid racecar driver continuing the pursuit of being a professional driver in the Indianapolis 500. My dreams have fueled me and will continue to be the seed beneath my life motto, never ever ever give up. Soon thereafter, we got a call back from Seventeen asking for a 20-minute video answering questions about myself, my family, my background and what I do. They also wanted to see my bedroom and a little bit more about my personality. The funny thing was, I had just gotten to Indianapolis for the month of May and was living in a short-term lease, white walled, and generally furnished apartment that would show none of my personality! So, I sat on the bed with a comforter that I’d never choose, bare white walls and explained to Seventeen about my crazy life, why I was where I was, and what I was doing. After a string of a few more calls and videos, Ann Shoket, the magazine’s editor-in-chief “skyped” me and told me the great news. I was one of the five finalists and would be making the trip to NYC for a week where I’d do a top of the line cover photo-shoot, meet the other finalists and experience all kinds of awesome stuff. Between the trip to New York City and the time that I found out, I was really too flat out with racing and concentrating on that to really think about what the trip would entail. MTV came to Milwaukee to do some filming prior to the race weekend and I also kept myself busy with other racing related “activities”. Finally, the time came to go to NY and I finally spent some time “offline” and enjoying being a girl. From the time I arrived at one of the swankiest hotels in SoHo until the time that I departed, cameras followed close behind. The first night, us girls got to meet each other and have a surprise dinner together. The following day was the beginning of nonstop activities that Seventeen and Neutrogena would keep the five of us busy with. The day started off with a trip to Hearst Corporation where we met Seventeen Editor-in-Chief, Ann Shoket, who told us we were going to be giving a short speech to an auditorium full of girls about our age, in thirty minutes! We all had a bit of time to come up with thoughts and most of the girls wrote their speeches on note cards. I wrote a few bullet points down but chose to speak from my heart and ditch the note cards. It was truly an inspiring moment for me to be able to tell my story to hundreds of girls who I’d never met but would possibly be able to make an impact on. After our speeches, we got to “meet & mingle” with all of the audience and then were told we’d be getting full-on makeovers. Seventeen created individual “looks” for each girl and mine was “Edgy Sweet.” We went to a top-of-the line salon in the city and each of us got our trial looks in preparation for the following day; the photo-shoot! I got my hair colored a bit darker and trimmed. They also gave me some layers. It wasn’t a whole lot different but I definitely liked it. The next day was day one of the photo-shoot and most definitely the best part of the trip. I don’t think I realized how big of a deal the whole thing was until I walked into the set and saw the professionalism and amount of people it took to put this thing together: a photographer with two assistants, a celebrity stylist and his two assistants, celebrity hair stylist and Herbal Essences spokesperson and his assistant, make-up artist and his assistant, nail artist, television crew, media, Seventeen executives, MTV executives, Neutrogena executives and tons of other random people which I had no idea who they were. The process began and I started with make-up, went on to hair, then nails and stylists. They had the music up loud and the fans blowing (haha!). A few of the girls were super nervous but I was seriously excited and felt awesome, or should I say “Pretty Amazing”? The rest is hard to put into words. That evening we met one of the judges, Jared Eng (founder of Just Jared—much like Perez Hilton’s celebrity gossip site) and had a dinner with him. We then had a somewhat early night to get rest for the second day of the shoot. The girls who hadn’t gone the first day went at the beginning of day two and in the afternoon we were surprised with the challenge of coming up with our own photo-shoot for all of the girls together. It was pretty fun and within an hour we had to make a set and come up with outfits. The final day was a red carpet luncheon and we started the day off with hair and make-up again. I got used to not having to do anything to get ready and after I returned from the trip wasn’t sure what to do without the pampering!! Speaking in front of a huge group of Seventeen and Neutrogena Executives about the amazing experiences of the week. We walked the red carpet, posed for the paparazzi individually and with actress and singer Miranda Cosgrove who was one of the contest judges. She was truly a sweetheart and really genuine. My speech went very well and it was a bittersweet ending to a great trip. Of course all week, everyone was speculating who would win and wondering when they would tell us, but we heard that we wouldn’t find out until the “Pretty Amazing” special on MTV, which aired on August 30th at 8pm. We were all asked who we’d want to win if we didn’t and without a blink of an eye I chose Zoe. We really hit it off and connected having similar stories of overcoming adversity. I am extremely happy and proud for Zoe because she is a very inspirational girl who has gone after her dreams and will do great things in her life. Although I didn’t walk away with the cover, I walked away with a truly amazing experience and am proud to have been one of five out of 35,000 who applied. I can’t thank all of the IndyCar community enough for all of your votes and encouragement throughout the whole thing. It’s been very humbling and an honor. See you this weekend at Baltimore! Shann Source: blog.indycar.com/2011/08/31/usf2000-driver-shannon-mcintosh-tells-all-about-her-pretty-amazing-season/ Q&A with Shannon MacIntosh Shannon MacIntosh knows a thing or two about working her way up through racing. That 21 year-old driver has spent the last 15 years doing just that, progressing from her early quarter midget days to multiple USAC disciplines. Now, as part of the USF2000 National Championship (presented by Cooper Tires), Shannon has set her site on new challenges. The Mazda Road to Indy has called, along with a big opportunity to be featured on the cover of Seventeen Magazine. Shannon sat down with INDYCAR Nation to share all about her career, progression, chance for national media exposure, and just how INDYCAR fans can help make that happen. So Shannon, you’re a finalist to be on the cover of Seventeen Magazine? What’s it for, and how did the opportunity come about? SM: The contest is called ‘Pretty Amazing’. I applied a few months ago by submitting a short essay to Seventeen explaining why I think I’m ‘Pretty Amazing’. The winner will be featured on the cover of the October issue and will receive $10,000 from Neutrogena. Each of the five finalists will be heading to NYC in a few weeks for the cover photo shoot! Sponsorship and business partnerships are a huge part of any racing program. Looking at it as a driver trying to build a successful racing program and partnerships, what sort of positive benefits could winning this sort of contest bring? SM: Absolutely. I realized at age 17 when my family and I could no longer afford to race, that I would have to figure out how to raise the capital myself. The business partnership aspect of racing is probably the most important part these days. It would definitely be a huge opportunity to get my story out there to the 13 million monthly readers. As I’m climbing INDYCAR’s “Mazda Road to Indy” developmental ladder, it is very important that I can show potential to future partners the benefit of supporting/partnering with someone like myself. How can people vote for you, and when will the results be announced? SM: They can vote at Seventeen.com/PrettyAmazing. The winner will be revealed in September! We’ve definitely seen an uptick in recent years of women competing in motorsports across a wide variety of disciplines. Do you see any female racers in particular as role models? SM: I have much respect for all of the women who have and do compete in the top-level motorsports. I think the most important thing that I focus on, is that I am a driver just like anyone else on the racetrack. It is definitely a different game for a female climbing the ranks and competing in racing – and by seeing all of the females who have come before me overcoming adversity, I know that there is definitely a place for me to find and make history.” You’re involved in Glass Hammer Racing, which also works on racing program opportunities for young women, right? Can you tell us a bit more about that? SM: In June of 2010, I formed a partnership with Greg Gaich, owner of Glass Hammer Racing. Greg is a father of three girls and had always wanted to get his daughters into racing but never knew where to turn. When we initially met, there was no Glass Hammer Racing. Greg reached out to me via Twitter (@SHANNON_MAC) hoping to help me in my career as well as start something to get involved in racing too. I suggested we build a program unlike anything that was currently on the market and push it out to families like his to help young girls get their start in motorsports. This past year we’ve developed the program from the ground up. I’ve created the curriculum and we are currently hosting courses at Fastimes taught by me in Indianapolis each month. Anyone interested can go to Beatbyagirl.org and check out all the details! You’ve made the transition this year to USF2000. I know it’s been an up-and-down season for you so far; where are the bright spots so far, and where are you hoping to improve? SM: It definitely has been an up and down season thus far. The season came up so quick, we didn’t really get the chance to do any “proper” testing so I could learn the cars and spend time figuring out the new dynamics. Right now, the bright spots are that I’m always improving – each time I get on track I’m picking up tenths and closing the gap. I hope to improve in my consistency, confidence and understanding of the aerodynamics and other elements of formula/rear engine cars. Pushing the car to the limit is hard to do when you don’t know the car inside and out. In some respect, I’m almost starting over because the racing I’m coming from is completely different. What’s your overall perception of the Mazda Road to Indy? Do you see evidence that awareness of it is permeating ladder rungs such as USF2000? SM: I think it’s a GREAT platform for drivers like myself. Not only are we getting experience in the same type of cars on the same tracks that we dream to drive in the coming years, we are also being exposed to resources that are priceless that will help us as we pursue a career in IZOD IndyCar Series. I have to ask: watching the IZOD IndyCar Series right now, do you have a favorite driver or two out there? SM: I have always been a huge fan of Tony Kanaan—his unmatched dedication and obvious natural ability are inspiring. I am also a big supporter of Simona. She’s not out there to be anything other than a ‘driver’, and it’s clear that she is extremely talented and is going to be very successful in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Back to your own career: what are the benchmarks you’ve set for yourself through the rest of this racing season? SM: The toughest part about that is, someone like myself is never satisfied unless they are at the top. What I’m trying to do is be a little more patient than usual but achieve a top-five ASAP. I don’t think it’s out of reach and expect (myself) to be a serious contender by the end of the season. Make sure to follow Shannon on her website and Twitter account as she climbs the Mazda Road to Indy ladder! McIntosh to make first street race appearance - 3.23.11 St. Petersburg Resident Shannon McIntosh Will Compete For Cape Motorsports With Wayne Taylor Racing This Weekend USF2000 rookie driver Shannon McIntosh won’t have to go far to make her first attempt in a street race where she is set to compete in downtown St. Petersburg just blocks from her residence. McIntosh made her first start for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing just last week at Sebring International Raceway in her first ever road course race event in her No. 2 Mazda. She returns this weekend to the cockpit of her No. 2 Mazda for rounds three and four of the 2011 USF2000 season. “For St. Pete this weekend, I need to keep the car clean and out of trouble,” said McIntosh. “I want to learn the track quickly seeing as we only have two twenty minute sessions before qualifying (all on the same day). I plan to focus on concentration and patience as well as pushing the limit of the car and really continuing to learn how I can be in control of the car. As much as I struggle with this (being a front runner my entire career), my focus won't be so much on where I finish this weekend but more on the improvements each time I go out on the track.” McIntosh was the only driver in the field of men in the USF2000 opener at Sebring that had not competed in a road course event prior to the season-opener. The 5’1 racer entered the “Mazda Road to Indy” program after a 16-year background racing strictly on ovals, most recently in the USAC Midget regional series under the guidance of legendary team owner Bob East, where she captured four top-10 finishes, including two podium and three top-five results. While her learning curve was far from trifling at Sebring, McIntosh managed to pick up at least a second in each of her outings during practice, qualifications and ultimately the two race events in support of the 59th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. “My first two races at Sebring were huge simply for seat time,” said McIntosh. “I learned a ton about the dynamics of how open wheel formula cars work, and how to drive them on the limit; by driving under and over the limit! I also was able to make use and get more comfortable with the aerodynamics and I improved significantly in my braking and shifting techniques. Understanding the racecar and how it works is essential before expecting to be a contender and I feel that this week I'll be able to put my gained confidence to the track at St. Pete and keep knocking down the learning curve I have coming from a strictly oval-racing background.” The Miamisburg, Ohio native, McIntosh and her team are both based in St. Petersburg and the opportunity to race in front of their home crowd in their backyard is very exciting for everyone involved. “On Sunday morning, I actually got asked to leave the course while running it,” continued McIntosh. “I have been running on the course as often as I can lately; I actually live only two streets over from it. I've been trying to gain some visuals and ideas of how I'm going to drive it. It's amazing the amount of elevation change and crests that a street course has. Although there is still quite a bit of construction going on, I think that being able to see the corners and details in the street 'at my leisure' will come in handy when we get on track the first time this weekend.” For more information, please visit www.CapeMotorsports.com or www.USF2000.com McIntosh to be sole female driver in USF2000 opener at Sebring - 3.15.11 Rookie Shannon McIntosh To Open 2011 Season for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing at Sebring International Raceway Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing driver Shannon McIntosh will compete in her first USF2000 race event at Sebring International Raceway Thursday in her No. 2 Mazda and is scheduled to be the sole female driver among the field of male competitors. "I’m very anxious about the first race and can't even believe it has crept up on us so quickly,” said McIntosh. “It's surreal to me that I am entering my first full race season since 2006 and have to thank my incredible partners, Glass Hammer Racing and Dale Pelfrey for coming on board to support my efforts. After spending time at the track with Dominic [Cape], Nicholas [Cape] and Will [Paul], I couldn't be more comfortable and confident that I'll have the tools and equipment necessary to make my first season competing on road and street courses a great success. I expect that this year will consist of a lot of hard work, persistence, teamwork and patience as I try to get up to speed as quickly as possible in a completely different type of racing than what I'm used to. I am more than excited and can't wait to get on track!" The 21-year-old McIntosh, who in 2010 competed in the USAC Midget regional series under the guidance of Bob East with four top-10 finishes, signed on to compete in the 2011 USF2000 National Championship season earlier this year for one of the most successful teams at that level, Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. The Cape brothers, Dominic and Nicholas, have won five championships, three rookie-of-the-year honors and amassed 54 wins and 68 pole positions in the USF2000, IMSA Lites and Cooper Series. The Capes have worked with many drivers including NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, open-wheel standout JR Hildebrand and 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona class winner Andy Lally. McIntosh looks to leverage the guidance and support the Cape brothers bring to the table, as the team placed second in the 2010 USF2000 National Championship Series points’ battle, capturing six podium finishes and two race-wins. "After a strenuous testing schedule, we at Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing feel very confident going into the 2011 season,” said Dominic Cape. “We have a great driver line-up with Shannon, Petri and Vincent, and we expect good results at Sebring and throughout the season." Since announcing she would contest the entire 2011 USF2000 schedule, McIntosh has been on a rigorous testing schedule with fellow teammates Finland native Petri Suvanto and Frenchman Vincent Beltoise. Remarkably, McIntosh has 16 years of racing experience under her belt, bringing a wealth of oval track knowledge unlike most drivers entering the series with little to no oval experience. Recognized by Indianapolis Woman magazine as INDYCAR’s next female racing star, in a nine-page spread in the thick of IZOD IndyCar Series regulars like Danica Patrick, McIntosh looks down her own path and ambition of becoming the first female to win the legendary Indianapolis 500. Racing since age, 5, McIntosh was undefeated at the Miami Valley Quarter Midget Club in her first season, 1995, and went on to win the Central States Quarter Midget Championship in 1998. McIntosh graduated into 270cc Micro Sprints in 2001 and into Ford Focus Midgets in 2005. She finished fifth in the 2006 USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, claiming five heat race wins and 15 top-10 finishes while also being named Dayton Auto Race Fans’ "Asphalt Driver of the Year." Shannon McIntosh to Compete for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing in USF2000 - 2.15.11 Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing announced today it has signed 21-year-old USAC product Shannon McIntosh to drive in the 2011 Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda. McIntosh will pilot the No. 2 Mazda for the 12 USF2000 race events. “We are excited to have Shannon join the team,” team principle Dominic Cape said. “We knew when we tested with her she had the skills, maturity and passion to compete for the championship. We are looking forward to a great season and positive results from Shannon.” McIntosh, a Miamisburg, OH native, tested with a host of teams including Juncos Racing and JDC Motorsports before deciding on Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. The Cape brothers, Dominic and Nicholas, have won five championships, three rookie-of-the-year honors and amassed 54 wins and 68 pole positions in the USF2000, IMSA Lites and Cooper Series. The Capes have worked with many drivers including NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, open-wheel standout JR Hildebrand and 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona class winner Andy Lally. They have also fielded a team every year since the series’ inception in the early 1990’s, placing second in the 2010 USF2000 National Championship Series points’ battle, capturing six podium finishes and two race-wins. McIntosh will team with Finland native Petri Suvanto who was announced to the team just last week. With more than 100 race wins over the course of her 16-year racing career, St. Petersburg, FL-based McIntosh competed in the USAC Midget regional series in 2010 under the guidance of Bob East, capturing four top-10 finishes, which included two podium and three top-five results. “I’m so honored to have the opportunity that Dominic Cape and Wayne Taylor are giving me,” said McIntosh. “We put a lot of thought into running either USF2000 or Star Mazda in 2011, and we felt I would benefit greatly from progressing through the entire Mazda Road to Indy program from the first step. I have to thank all of my partners, investors and especially the fans for all the support I have been given over the course of my career. I look forward to the road ahead.” As a five-year-old, the brunette McIntosh began her quest to one day compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and attempt to qualify for the famed Indianapolis 500. McIntosh must first complete a three-step developmental ladder system, designed to bring up-and-coming drivers to the forefront of American open-wheel racing. She’ll make her debut in the ‘Mazda Road to Indy’ program in 2011, which also includes the Star Mazda Championship and Firestone Indy Lights, as part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program. In preparation for the USF2000 season-opener on March 17 at Sebring International Raceway, McIntosh and Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing will continue a rigorous off-season testing platform. The schedule continues with 11 additional race-events held in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series, American Le Mans and USAC. Snippets Shannon McIntosh (#18 TrueCar/Pabst Racing) showed promising streaks in the USF2000 Series during Race 1 with an astounding 25th-to-11th dash, proving to be a fearless overtaker and fierce competitor. In Race 2, however she received a 30-second penalty for jumping out for a pass before crossing the start line and finished 24th, leaving her with a total of 18 points. *     *     * Shannon McIntosh Named Hard Charger at St Pete *     *     * McIntosh lands ride with Pabst for 2012 *     *     * McIntosh aims to follow in Patrick's tire marks. *     *     * Shannon was one of the top-five finalists (out of 35,000 who entered) in the competition to be on the cover of Seventeen magazine. *     *     * Shannon had driver physicals this morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for IndyCar Series'. What an extensive process! Blood, Vitals, Hearing, Sight, & Mind sharpness testing. She passed!   Results 2010 Graduate of Skip Barber 2-Day Advanced Racing School at Sebring International Raceway Featured in May’s Indianapolis Woman Magazine alongside IndyCar drivers, Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Simona De Silvestro, Milka Duno, and Pippa Mann Secured partnership with Glass Hammer Racing Secured deal to drive for Bob East in USAC Midgets First USAC Regional Midget race at The Indianapolis Speedrome (same day of first ever time car at Speedrome) - June 23 (Top ten finish-7th) Top five finish (4th) in second ever USAC Regional Midget race (Speedrome) 3rd place podium finish & heat race WIN in only third USAC Regional Midget race (Speedrome) 2nd place podium finish at Plymouth Speedway in fourth ever USAC Regional Midget race (first time at track) 2009 3rd place finish at Kil-Kare Raceway in first appearance in USAC Focus Midget since 2006 4th place at Gas City Speedway first time in USAC Ford Focus Midget on dirt Tested a NASCAR Whelen All-American Pavement Late Model (Kil-Kare Raceway) First test in USAC National Midget with Penske Development team, Cunningham Juniors (Anderson Speedway) 2008 Top Ten in Dirt Super Late Model at Kamp Motor Speedway 2007 The Richard Petty Driving Experience Staff (Charlotte, NC) 2006 Highest ranking female in the (USAC Indiana & Midwest Ford Focus) pavement series USAC Ford Focus Series - 5th in points after missing one race Lyn St. James Driver Development Program Graduate Kara Hendrick Memorial Scholarship Award recipient 15 “Top Ten” finishes in 17 races (two Top 5 finishes) Most Heat race wins in Indiana Series (5 wins) Dayton Auto Race Fans “Asphalt Driver of the Year” PitFit Scholarship Award recipient 4th in Earls Fast Qualifier points 1 third place podium finish 2005 Raced 3 USAC Ford Focus Series Races 2 Top Ten finishes 2004 Lawrenceburg Micro Sprint Series (2 wins) 2003 Waynesfield Micro Sprint Series (2 wins) 2002 4th in 270cc Micro Sprint Points 35 Raceway, Chillicothe, Oh. Voted “Most Improved Driver” 2001 Age 11, 9th in first year of 270cc Micro Sprints Points at 35 Raceway, Chillicothe, Ohio 2000 2nd place Central States Championship 1998 Central States Champion 1997 WINNER “Kokomo 100” Champion 3rd place Central States Championship 1996 Fast time/Track Record Central States Championship 2nd place Winter Nationals 1995 First year racing Undefeated at Miami Valley Quarter Midget Club Track Record at Miami Valley First Place Columbus Regional race   Schedule *    *    * WomenInRacing.org ©1996-2023 by of Gordon Clay