Texas II: Johanna Long qualifying report

How do you feel about being in the top 10?

It feels really amazing, especially for my first start here at Texas Motor Speedway. We really worked some things out in both practices today, and I was able to walk the track with Matt Crafton, so I was super comfortable coming into qualifying. I had no idea we'd walk away with a top 10 though! Ninth...I'm floored!!! I'm ecstatic!!!"

What did you work on today?

I was really tight off the corners, and I felt like we were trying to find speed all day. Turn four was the biggest challenge, and once I felt comfortable there, we started working on my arcs. By the end of final practice, I really felt like I had my groove.

What are your thoughts on tomorrow's race?

I want to have a solid, clean race. I say this all the time- this year is for learning. I'm humble, I'm learning from the guys around me and am happy to be here. At the end of the day, I'll race anything, anywhere that I get the opportunity. For me to be at Texas is such a privilege, and to finish clean and in a respectable place is a big positive. Just the learning experience I've had so far, and the progress I feel I've made, is awesome.

How do you feel about being a woman?

I'm a racer. It's great that women race, we've achieved that. Now it's time to learn, make the progress like the guys, and just get the storylines back to being racers. I love being a woman, but when I get to a racetrack, the gender goes completely away. It's about racing. I love that.

-source: johanna long PR