Phoenix: Caitlin Shaw preview

JPHOENIX--DGM Racing driver Caitlin Shaw will makes her second appearance in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 12. The 21-year-old Albuquerque, N.M. native will pilot The No. 72 Oil Medics/Community Healthcare Services Chevrolet at the mile tri-oval marking her first 2010 start. Shaw plans to compete in several 2011 truck series races depending on sponsorship.

Shaw is a junior at Belmont Abbey College. When she isn't in school or at the race track, Shaw is an intern at Michael Waltrip Racing working with driver Ryan Truex and MWR's public relations team.

Shaw on racing at PIR: "Phoenix is a track that I grew up around, and have raced the (USAC) midgets at so getting to compete there in the trucks will be a goal I can scratch off my list. The transition from a midget to a truck is going to be significant because of the weight difference, but I am glad that I at least have some laps there to be familiar with the layout of the track."

Shaw on working with DGM Racing: "I'm looking forward to getting out on the track with the DGM Racing team. Ever since we put this deal together they have been very supportive. Mario is a person I can trust to put a good truck out on the track, and I've already done some late model testing with Johnny Chapman so between the two of them I'm confident we're going to have a good race. My goal is to learn as much as I can, and work towards getting approved for the next track level. "

Shaw on sponsors The Oil Medics and Community Healthcare:"I want to thank The Oil Medics and Community Healthcare Service for the opportunity to represent their companies. They are allowing me the chance to get behind the wheel of a truck again, and I couldn't be more grateful. The Oil Medics are new to NASCAR, but with the Truckers Going Green campaign I think they will see how loyal our fans are. Jeff and Shannon of Community Healthcare Service supported me at ORP and I'm glad they chose to come on board again this year."

Shaw on transitioning from public relations to the driver's seat: "Michael Waltrip Racing has provided me with an amazing opportunity to learn from their team. I began as an intern in January and through that time I have had the chance to see almost every aspect of their public relations, sales, and sponsor relations efforts. This will help me on the driving aspect of my career because I can see the bigger picture and what needs to happen to make a team successful. Also, having the public relations experience with Ryan showed me as a rookie driver what I need to make sure to do on a race weekend to stay on schedule. "

-source: caitlinshaw.com