Robinson to try 24 Winston Cup races in 2002
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Shawna Robinson
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By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
December 7, 2001
5:14 PM EST (2214 GMT)
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- Shawna Robinson isn't a novelty when it comes to racing.
"I think I've been associated with NASCAR and racing for so many years that people know this isn't a fly-by-night thing," Robinson said. "It's not like I'm just showing up and saying I'm going to go racing.
Robinson attempted four Winston Cup races in 2001 in car owned by Michael Kranefuss and only qualified for one of them.
In 2002, she will be entering 24 Winston Cup races for BAM Racing, driving a Dodge. The team currently has no sponsor but is financially secure enough to run the allotted number of events.
"I've had a lot of great support and there are so many people who wanted me to see me do better. It wasn't a great year for me, but with the opportunity I have for next year I think things will be a lot better."
"The owner, Beth Anne Morganthal, is really into racing and we put together a program to run a limited schedule next year," Robinson said. "My crew chief is Eddie Sharp and we're getting engines from Ernie Elliott.
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Robinson finished 34th at Michigan in June.
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"Both Eddie and I are fairly inexperienced which is kind of scary. But, we both realize what a great opportunity this is and are really looking forward to it."
Robinson met Morganthal when she ran a one-race deal in a Winston West Series event in Las Vegas.
Last year wasn't an ideal one for Robinson, but the learning curve was pretty steep for her. In addition to the Cup races, she also ran Busch Series races in Michael Waltrip's car.
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Robinson drove three Busch races for Michael Waltrip in 2001.
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"I wish I would have run a whole ARCA deal again last year," Robinson said. "We were competitive and I feel we could have been a contender for a championship. But, we decided to run the limited Winston Cup races instead.
"We felt the Cup races would get us more attention and attract a sponsor. It didn't work, well, it kind of did.
"Looking back I should have just done Michigan and stopped there. When I missed the race at Indy it was just the worst. It was tough to not doing anything after that.
"I should have run the ARCA race in Charlotte. But, you can't look back and say should have done, could have done.
"You just take what you learn and take it to next year. My goal for next year is to just be consistent and out there on a regular basis."
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