Statesville, NC - Michelle Theriault heads into Saturday’s second round of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Championship Series with renewed confidence. Theriault, the only female competitor ever to qualify for the championship series, struggled throughout much of the 2004 regular season due to equipment issues but, since joining the Nesbitt Racing team, she has proudly shown the racing community that she can get the job done.
“Nesbitt Racing is a very professional organization,” said Theriault. “They provide me with top notch equipment and personnel, and have allowed me to test prior to both championship races. They treat me like a part of the team, something I haven’t experienced in the past. It has allowed me to showcase my true abilities.”
A strong showing by Theriault in the most recent championship round at Jennerstown Speedway further boosted her morale.
“Last week’s race was a huge confidence boost, although the finish doesn’t show how strong the run really was,” said the 18-year-old Theriault. “If I didn’t spin in oil from another car with less than 40 laps to go, a 12th place finish was certain.”
Theriault finished 25th.
In preparation for this Saturday’s Alan Kulwicki Memorial 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Park, Theriault and the Nesbitt Racing team tested the No. 12 LesCare Kitchens Chevrolet at the 0.500 mile speedway.
“If I’m as fast in the race as I was in testing, I’ll be very satisfied,” added Theriault.
In addition to supporting Michelle Theriault in the first round of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Championship Series, LesCare Kitchens has extended its support to include Saturday’s Alan Kulwicki Memorial 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Park.
“Jay Lestori and the employees of LesCare Kitchens have always been very supportive of me throughout my racing career,” said Theriault. “When the opportunity arose for me to compete in the championship series, they quickly offered their support for the first race and now for the second one too. Without them I wouldn’t be here and I can’t thank them enough. Unfortunately, they may not be able to continue their support through the final two races.”
Facing a sponsorship crisis, Theriault will do what she has always done when presented with a dilemma - race as hard as she can.
“The only thing I know to do in a difficult situation like this is to go out and race as hard as I can,” declared Theriault. “On-track results will open more doors than anything.”
LesCare is a builder of custom and semi-custom cabinets, and is the largest privately owned cabinet manufacturer in North America. The company originally started out as a family operation 59 years ago in Waterbury, Connecticut. Today, it is still a privately owned company, headed by CEO James C. Lestorti, but it has grown considerably and now has plants in Statesville, North Carolina, Waterbury, Connecticut and Southington, Connecticut.
Theriault continues to work closely with FitzBradshaw Racing via its driver development program. Efforts are being made by the established NASCAR Busch Series team to secure the necessary funding to field a full time entry for the 18-year-old driver in the 2005 ARCA RE/MAX series.
“I’m honored to be associated with FitzBradshaw Racing and its driver development program,” said Theriault. “Everyone is working hard to put a program together for 2005. Right now, it all depends on whether or not the right marketing partners can be found.”