18-year old makes first run at ½-mile oval in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Kroger 200; Takes time to inspire local Girl Scouts of all ages

Mooresville, NC (October 14, 2010) -  NASCAR driver Johanna Long, 18, fresh off a strong 3rd-place finish in the Pro Late Models Allen Turner Tune-Up 100, is setting her sights on competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ next race – the Kroger 200 at the famed Martinsville Speedway.  Driving the #20 Panhandle Motorsports Toyota Tundra on the track, Johanna is also taking time to make the weekend special OFF the track for some inspirational young girls of the Girl Scouts Virginia Skyline Council.

Several fun events are planned for the week with the regional council of the Girl Scouts – to include two Scouts as “honorary pit crew” members for the team at the Kroger 200, as well as a visit with the girls & their families at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville.  Johanna will speak to the girls about finding their passion, hard work and determination in whatever they choose to do in life.  She will also have her “honorary pit crew” members cross the stage with her at driver introductions. 

“You never know what difference you can make in a young girl’s life,” said Long. “For me, my dad inspired me to race – watching him race every weekend as a little girl, I knew it was all I ever wanted to do.  I was surrounded by great people who encouraged my passion to race.  I hope I can give some of that inspiration to these young girls & women – they inspire me with all the great work they do in the community!”

Long will make her fifth career NCWTS start at Las Vegas, while juggling a career in Late Models & the upcoming legendary Snowball Derby.  With three starts with Billy Ballew Motorsports (BBM) this year at Chicagoland, O’Reilly Raceway Park & Nashville; plus her recent debut with Panhandle Motorsports in Las Vegas, Long continues to log the road miles & the knowledge at each track she races this year.  With two top-20 finishes, she’s confident that she’s achieving her goals for a NASCAR education in 2010.

“What a year so far, with so many highs and lows,” Long said. “It has been a great learning experience so far in the Truck Series – what a difference a year makes, from Late Models and a few ARCA starts last year.  After a really unfortunate blown motor before our Las Vegas race could even start, I’m looking for a great outing at Martinsville with my team at Panhandle Motorsports.  I love short tracks, it’s the type of wide open racing that requires quick thinking & serious handling in the turns.  For my first time at the track, I have to keep it conservative and find the right lines – but I’m looking forward to staying comfortable and having some fun while I learn.”

ABOUT DRIVER JOHANNA LONG & PANHANDLE MOTORSPORTS:
Johanna Long, 18, is the youngest driver in the elite NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  Her career to date has included racing in NCWTS in 2010 with family race team Panhandle Motorsports in Las Vegas; as well as three starts with Billy Ballew Motorsports in the NCWTS; and two starts in 2009 in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Former Blizzard Series Champion on the Gulf Coast & driver since the age of five, Long has caught the eyes of many top teams over the years as an “up-and-coming” teen driver. For more information, please visit www.JohannaLong.com,

Facebook: http://bit.ly/bglf8H or Twitter: http://twitter.com/JOHANNALONG.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS SKYLINE COUNCIL:
Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council is a leadership program for girls that develops life skills in business, science, and technology; provides adventures and challenges in sports, the environment, and the great outdoors; and encourages girls to give back to their communities through service projects conducted locally, across the United States, and internationally.  Visit www.gsvsc.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT, JOHANNA LONG & PANHANDLE  MOTORSPORTS:                                      
Demi Knight Clark, Girl Friday PR & Marketing                    
demi@girlfridaypr.com                                                                
803.389.7153                                                                                     
Facebook: Demi Knight Clark
 
MEDIA CONTACT, GIRL SCOUTS SKYLINE COUNCIL:
Nina Zanella
Development and Public Relations Officer
Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council
540-777-5111