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Historic Week for Macleod

Image Courtesy of David Sink

Indianapolis, IN (July 28, 2008) – Alison Macleod of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada made her mark in the history books this past week. A week which included a historic victory, two top five finishes and an award to honor her amongst her peers and fellow racers.

Alison's week began on Wednesday night at the Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana. Alison and the Ford Racing/Beast team prepared to do the double, competing in both the Regional Midget series and the Ford Focus series. Going into the double header Alison was tied with fellow Ford Racing/Beast teammate Stephanie Mockler for the winningest Female in USAC history. Alison was able to work her way safely through the heat race, and when the time came to perform she did so flawlessly. Alison led all 30-laps of the A-Main Regional Midget race to pick up the victory earning her the historic title of USAC's winningest female with 6-feature wins in her career. Alison noted that the team showed up with a fairly fast car, and with minor changes the car really handled well all night. The night didn't stop there however, Alison charged hard in the Ford Focus A-Main and was able to pull out a 3rd place finish winding out a historic night of success for the young upcoming Mississauga, Ontario driver. When asked how important this win was to her career Alison stated, “The win came at a great time with the Lyn St. James Women in the Winner’s Circle luncheon being the next day. It is a great accomplishment, I’ve worked hard in my career, the team has worked hard for me to become this successful, and we’re eager for more wins in the near future.” So who’s Alison owe it all to? “Definitely Bob East and Ford Racing, with Bob’s coaching and training I’ve been able to learn how to drive midgets and what makes them work.”

The following morning amongst peers and fellow racers Alison's name was read aloud by USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller as the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Kara Hendrick Award. The award was presented at Lyn St. James' "Women in the Winners Circle" gala at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. MacLeod, a member of the Ford Racing Driver Development Program and a product of the USAC ladder system, including Kenyon Midgets, led a star-studded field of female drivers from various forms of motorsports who were saluted at today's luncheon. Her award honors the memory of one of USAC's most accomplished female drivers, Kara Hendrick, who posted a pair of USAC TQ Midget feature wins before tragically losing her life during a USAC Western Midget event at El Cajon, Calif. in 1991. Alison stated that this awards means a lot to her because it not only represents her accomplishments on the race track, but off the race track as well. Alison feels she’ll represent the award and the memory of Kara well as the drive to win, and their vibrant personalities are very similar.

Previous winners of the Kara Hendrick Award are Stephanie Mockler (2007), Melanie Troxel (2006), Sondi Eden (2005), Erin Crocker (2004) and Sarah McCune (2003).

However there was little time to reflect on the award as the office soon called again. On Friday Alison was due to practice and qualify for the historic Anderson 400 lap midget race, returning to the track where she cleaned house on Wednesday. Alison qualified a strong 3rd place for the historic $10,000 to win event. Alison had been training for 4-months for the event, knowing the physical demand of the event was something she has yet to experience. Turning 400-laps also takes a lot of focus mentally as well, and using the Mind Shaper created by Jacques Dallaire helped Alison maintain the mental edge over other racers. The goal was to finish the race first, focus on winning second. After 400 long and physically punishing laps, Alison and the Ford Racing/Beast team finished in 3rd place on the lead lap.

Alison and the Ford Racing/Beast team are currently preparing for a return to the Mt. Lawn Speedway in New Castle, IN on July 30th. Stay tuned for updated information, and as always Alison can be reached at alison@alisonmacleodracing.com