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Johanna Long lands Nationwide Series deal

pnj.com

In major news involving the auto racing career of Johanna Long, Warsaw, Ind.-based ML Racing has announced that Long will drive the No. 70 Biomet-Foretravel Motorcoach Chevrolet Impala for the 2012 and 2013 seasons on the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Long, a Pensacola native, is the winner of the 2010 Snowball Derby. She began her NASCAR career in 2010 driving a limited schedule on the Camping World Truck Series for Panhandle Motorsports. In 2011, Long competed in 17 of the circuit’s 25 races, finishing 21st in the final points standings. Long qualified fifth for her first start last season at Daytona. Her career best finish to date was 11th place at Texas Motor Speedway.

Long will join a team that is owned by Mary Louise Miller, one of the few female owners in NASCAR. Miller is known as a big supporter of women in racing. At 19 years old, Long becomes the youngest female driver to compete in the Nationwide Series, and she will be competing for Rookie of the Year in 2012.

“I’m excited to join ML Motorsports, and I’m honored to have the support of Mary Louise,� Long said in a news release. “As a female team owner in NASCAR, Mary Louise is an inspiration to me. I believe all the pieces are in place at ML Motorsports to achieve success in 2012, and I can’t wait to get started.�

“Johanna is a strong driver and a dynamic young lady, and we are excited to have her on board,� Miller said. “She has a great competitive spirit; we believe she has everything it takes to succeed at the highest levels of NASCAR competition.�

Long began racing at the age of 8, accumulating numerous wins at tracks across the southeast. At 14, she burst onto the late model scene, and in 2008 at 15, she racked up several wins en route to becoming the first female and youngest driver to win a track championship at Five Flags Speedway.

 

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