@scornettching • @ARCA_Racing • DENVER, North Carolina (September 4, 2015) – – With the homestretch for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards quickly approaching, SCOTT Rookie of the Year candidate Sarah Cornett-Ching (@scornettching) still has plenty left to accomplish.
What started out as a one-race deal at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February quickly blossomed into a 10-race program. Constant media attention not to mention successful on-track results in Tony Blanchard’s No. 2 RACE 101 Chevrolet matured into a full 20-race Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) schedule.
Success and speed have not been a problem for the Summerland, British Columbia native, but with any young race car driver, the desire to improve is eagerly essential.
With the leadership and guidance of Blanchard, Cornett-Ching has been able to hone her craft into five top-10 finishes, including a career-best of eighth at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in May and the 1.5-mile speed plant of Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.
And while those results are admirable for a driver who spent the past three years working as a certified welder to race, there’s still unfinished business.
“There’s not words to describe how appreciative I am to compete full time this season,” said Cornett-Ching. “We’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s so much more left to be desired. Tony (Blanchard) and the RACE 101 team have brought some really fast cars to the track and we’re looking forward to closing out the season on a high note.”
Four tracks remain on the 2015 ARCA Racing Series circuit, three tracks which Cornett-Ching has never visited, but her ability to adapt quickly to her surroundings has impressed many in her garage, as well as in NASCAR.
The past few weeks Cornett-Ching has spent time networking in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series garages, and while her 2016 plans are being finalized, the 24-year-old sensation knows the next path that her career takes her, she’ll be ready.
Two weeks ago, Cornett-Ching who now resides in Denver, North Carolina went to Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, while also returning to her native country of Canada last weekend to attend the third annual NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
“We’re excited about next year,” Cornett-Ching added. “There are a lot of options on the table, but we’re not rushing into anything. We’re reviewing all our options. Tony and I have spent a lot of time discussing what’s best for me moving forward, we want to make sure I take advantage of the right opportunities. When that’s all secure, we’ll be ready to announce our plans.
When the road leads Cornett-Ching down the road to NASCAR next year, she knows she’s not leaving the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards completely.
“I’ll be back,” she said. “There’s still plenty for me to learn and we know that the ARCA Racing Series can continue to help with the learning curve. I’ll be visiting most of the tracks next year for a second time and that will be a big aid in my goal to become the first woman to win in ARCA competition. That’s something I really want to accomplish.”
She added, “Not only have a lot of my competitors have become great friends, but most of them treat me with respect on the track and that makes us want to come back and compete. Our plan is to be at the Daytona test in December and I’m already looking forward to that.”
While the future continues to look brighter and brighter for the RACE 101 driver, her 100 percent focus remains on her 2015 duties behind the No. 2 RACE 101 Chevrolet, which continues with this upcoming Monday’s Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Car Care at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds.
Her team has been working relentlessly to prepare their upcoming fleet of cars, while also recently obtaining a third ARCA Ilmor 396, which will aid in the goal of making themselves a staple competitor over the next two months.
“We’re glad to have another ARCA Ilmor 396 in our possession,” Cornett-Ching sounded. “Without a doubt it will help us as we try to beat or tie Shawna Robinson’s record for the highest-finishing female in ARCA history. With our success at Chicagoland earlier this summer, I’m eager to see what we can accomplish at the upcoming races at Kentucky and Kansas.”
For Blanchard, he is extremely proud of the driver that is molding into a successful and prominent icon both on and the track.
“Sarah has exceeded our expectations,” said Blanchard. “Her ability continues to mature with each ARCA race and people are taking notice. I’m proud to work with her and look forward to seeing the results we can accomplish both on and off the track for many years to come.”
Even with the off-season on the foreseeable horizon, RACE 101 and Cornett-Ching won’t be in idle mode. Several appearances and obligations will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Sarah Cornett-Ching is active on Twitter. You can follow and tweet with her @scornettching. The latest information on her racing career, as well an inside look at RACE 101 is available on her Facebook page at Facebook.com/SCCracing.
Fast Links:
Driver: Sarah Cornett-Ching on Twitter @scornettching or visit sccracing.com or on Facebook.
Marketing Partner: RACE 101: RACE 101.
Sanction: ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards: ARCARacing.com.
Contact: Tony Blanchard- Tonybrace101@gmail.com
{fcomment}
Discussion about this post