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Press Releases by Michelle Theriault
September
12, 2005
Michelle
Theriault: NASCAR Has a New Girl
Mooresville, NC - A new female driver is set to make
her way onto the NASCAR scene. Michelle Theriault is scheduled
to compete in her first NASCAR touring division event on September
17 at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Ore. The 19-year-old
will drive the No. 77 NutriSystem Ford Taurus in the NAPA
200 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series race. Her
car will be prepared by series stalwart Performance Motorsports.
"My goal has always been to race full-time in NASCAR,"
said Theriault. "NutriSystem and Performance Motorsports
have allowed me to take one step closer. The biggest obstacle
I've faced in my career has been connecting with those who
believe females can be successful in racing. I can't thank
them enough for believing in me."
NutriSystem provides a weight loss program based on quality
foods and a nutritionally balanced meal plan. Theriault participated
in its Women's Program and safely shed 15 pounds.
"The NutriSystem family is proud to sponsor Michelle,"
said NutriSystem President, George Jankovic. "She is
a true inspiration for women everywhere who are on the go.
She has been successful at losing weight and on the race track."
Theriault has spent the past two seasons competing in the
USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. For the second consecutive year,
she has qualified for the season ending Championship round,
the only female to ever qualify. The first of five rounds
is scheduled for September 24 at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway.
"We are pleased to have Michelle drive for our team,"
said Performance Motorsports owner, Joe Nava. "She has
a lot of potential and the talent needed to make it in big-league
racing.
"Performance Motorsports is also pleased to have a female
driver for the first time in its history. We are proud of
our Hispanic ownership and work hand in hand with NASCAR's
Drive for Diversity program."
Theriault launched her racing career at age five competing
in Quarter Midget competition. After seven seasons and more
than 200 victories, her family relocated to Georgia to further
nurture her budding career.
She graduated from Quarter Midgets to Legends Cars and once
again proved her abilities by winning Atlanta Motor Speedway's
Thunder Racing Legends Championship. She earned the distinction
of becoming the first female Legends Car Champion and backed
up her success with two more championships and more than 20
wins.
After three years of Legends Car success, Theriault moved
up to the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series, Pro-Late Model Division
at Lanier National Speedway. She finished 20 of 20 events
and ended 2003 sixth in the series point championship. The
following year, she began competing in the USAR Hooters Pro
Cup Series.
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