Kelly MacPhaden Shannonville race notes

Rookie racer Kelly MacPhaden, takes 2nd place in 3 consecutive races at Shannonville Motorsports Park this past weekend and is currently the points leader in the Ontario Region Formula F1rst Championship, and 2nd in the Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs points competition.

The Ajax resident, Kelly MacPhaden, began her racing career over a year ago and joined an indoor karting club as her first step to professional racing. Kelly demonstrated a natural ability to race in a short period of time and was encouraged by her racing colleagues to advance to the next level of racing.

Kelly enrolled in the Bridgestone Firestone Racing School to develop her newly found skills to become a more competitive race car driver. Kelly's performance in handling a Reynard F2000 car in mock races and in other practical exercises suggested that she continue with racing and try open wheel cars as the next step to obtaining a professional race licence.

Kelly continued with karting briefly and was consistent in achieving numerous pole positions and podium finishes against experienced karters.

Kelly's success in karting and her training that she received from the racing school prompted her to form her own team and compete in the Formula F1rst championship. drivers as the next level in her succession planning.

Since the racing season began in April, Kelly has been testing her abilities against expereinced ex shifter karters and race car drivers. Kelly's past racing results at Mosport and Shannonville race track have showed that she has progressed in her driver development at an unusual and rapid rate that has put her in the points lead for the championship.

Not only being in her rookie year, and without years of racing experience to rely on, she has demonstrated that she is a competitive female race car driver against the series past years race leaders. Kelly attributes her success to her driving coach Dan Purdy, pit crew and team sponsors and her enthusiasm and passion for racing.

Kelly currently has her sights set on the Professional Canadian Formula Ford Series where she is expected to test a F1600 car in the near future. Kelly will finish the Formula F1rst championship and is currently seeking sponsorship to assist in team expenditures. Kelly hopes to be racing at the Toronto Molson Indy and the Montreal Grand Prix in 2004.