McIntosh lands ride with Pabst for 2012
"After testing Shannon at Autobahn this past October, we were impressed with her intensity and commitment to work with the team to get results," said Augie Pabst, President, Pabst Racing Services. “We are thrilled to be working with Shannon and Truecar for the 2012 USF2000 Series season and can't wait to get started!"
McIntosh, a 22-year-old from Miamisburg, Ohio, cut her teeth on dirt and paved ovals in the Midwest through Quarter Midgets, Micro Sprints, Mini Sprints and most recently, Midgets under the guidance of legendary team owner Bob East. Given her past, she made a sharp turn in 2011 competing in the USF2000 series for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. Despite the fact that McIntosh was taking her first bid at road racing, her best result of the season came on a road course.
"After testing at the end of the 2011 season with Pabst, I couldn't be happier to join their team going into my second year of road racing," said McIntosh. “The Pabst team understands my background and developmental needs as a driver progressing into open-wheel. I am 100 percent positive they will give me the best opportunity for success. I have learned that having a team behind you, who supports you and is willing to work towards one common goal is of absolute importance and I couldn’t be more optimistic going into 2012."
McIntosh’s pursuit of INDYCAR began when she started racing at age 5. A career that originally started for fun with her family, continued as she spent time developing her understanding and ability to leverage the business side of motorsports. Given her modest upbringing, she has worked tirelessly to help raise capital to continue to fund her racing career, recently landing a multi-year sponsorship contract with TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, creators of the new car pricing information website TrueCar.com, is leveraging their self-made “Women Empowered" initiative as an extension of the company’s efforts to empower women in the new car buying experience.
"Shannon is a fierce competitor with tremendous potential, and a wonderful brand ambassador for TrueCar, our dealer partners, and our key supporters through the 'Women Empowered' initiative," said Charles Kim, TrueCar’s Director of Motorsports. “Her decision to join Pabst Racing Services is another great step in her development through the ‘Mazda Road To Indy' ladder system, as Pabst has a long history of winning races and championships. With Shannon, TrueCar, and Pabst working together, we're looking forward to a great USF2000 season in 2012."
In addition to TrueCar, McIntosh’s effort is also supported by TAG Heuer timepieces, Arai Helmets, Alpinestars, CLEARBook, Mazda North American, Cooper Tires, CrossFit9, Anytime Fitness St. Pete, YogaBlu Studio, and Baker & Daniels.
McIntosh will kick off the 2012 season on March 16 in Sebring, Fla in support of the 12 Hours of Sebring and continue with a 14-race schedule in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda.