Original article can be viewed HERE.

Shannon McIntosh recently talked with Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com on her upcoming season in USF2000. Shannon kicks off her season this week in Sebring, but first had time for a quick Q&A.

IndyCarGarage: Your second season in USF2000, what are your goals and expectations coming into the 2012 season
Shannon: I have a lot of expectations going into this year with a team that is behind me. The whole program this season is something that I haven’t had before in my career. The potential for us is huge and I want to be very competitive very quickly. I don’t want to get ahead of myself though and have high expectations too quickly though.

IndyCarGarage: Coming from a mostly oval background on dirt, the road/street courses were a completely new experience for you last year. How do you improve your learning curve in your second full year of mostly road/street course racing
Shannon: My performance on paper last year wasn’t a testament to where I was in the car. I expect to do very well soon and I think that’s because I learned a lot last year. Finishing in the top 10 off the bat is realistic for me.

IndyCarGarage: Tell us about the TrueCar sponsorship for this year, you’re in a group of several female drivers that are backed by the TrueCar program.
Shannon: TrueCar came together very quickly and it’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime. It eliminates trying to find sponsors, and that’s something I’ve had to work my butt off for (finding sponsors). Now I can focus on the racing side of it. I am still in disbelief that it’s happening. It’s put me in a place that I haven’t been in awhile. I am Humbled to very to be part of the program.

IndyCarGarage: Sebring is this week with your first two races on Thursday and Friday of this week, tell us your thoughts about the upcoming race and the large car count in USF2000 this year.
Shannon: I’ve been very excited about the testing coming up and practice as well. I am a little bummed we weren’t able to put more testing together this offseason. Sebring is a track that I’ve spent more time on than any other course. I like Sebring and feel like I’ve made progress on it. It’s awesome on how many cars we have this year and this is such a great series for perusing INDYCAR and open wheel. I’ve always wanted to pursue the top series and the top drivers, the best of the best. The higher car count will allow me to do this.

IndyCarGarage: After Sebring you move onto St. Pete, there will be a lot of emotion with Dan Wheldon’s legacy and honoring, but on a personal level for you, that’s your home track. What do you enjoy most about racing at St. Pete?
Shannon: St. Pete is such awesome event, I’ve only lived in St. Pete for about a year, but the city puts on a gorgeous event. There is a lot of hype going into the weekend and it’s a very good city for racing. The track itself is a very good track that I really like. It has short corners and that’s what I enjoy most about road racing in open wheel. I also will be hosting the after party at PUSH Ultra Lounge, Tampa Bay’s No. 1 nightclub, in honor of Dan Wheldon.

Information on the After Party at PUSH:
All proceeds from the after party will benefit the Dan Wheldon Family Trust. INDYCAR hard card holders will have free entry and PUSH is providing a secure VIP area for INDYCAR drivers and guests. In the past, PUSH has raised more than $80,000 for various charities in the Tampa Bay area.

The Grand Prix After Party is sponsored by Three Olives Vodka, Red Bull, Bacardi, and Fusion 1560 Luxury Apartment Homes with promotional consideration provided by The Clear Agency, iLoveTheBurg.com, and St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Chapter.

IndyCarGarage: Lastly Shannon, IndyCarGarage has over 900 members, when can we expect to see you become a member and interact with the other passionate fans of www.IndyCarGarage.com
Shannon: Expect to see me sign up soon!
Check out Shannon on her website at www.shannonmcintosh.com and on twitter @SHANNON_MAC