Our open wheeled friends over in the IRL have
enjoyed a resurgence this season. Rahal-Letterman brought
attention back to their series by introducing us all to Danica
Patrick. With her impressive runs leading up to the Indy 500 and
her performance in the Indy 500 itself brought her to the
forefront of the racing world. That being said, does Nascar have
a similar situation waiting in the wings? I think it does,
forward Ms. Erin Crocker.
Photo Credit: Mike Durrbeck
Crocker, the youngest of 5 siblings
was introduced to racing at an early age. At age seven, Erin
found her way to the drivers seat of a Quarter Midget. In the
years that followed, Crocker lit it up capturing Female Driver
of the Year honors from 1993-1995 and Northeast Regional
Champion from 1993-1996. With her amazing accomplishments on the
track, she also found time to go to college and receive a
bachelors degree in Industrial and Management Engineering.
In 2002, Crocker saw her career switch into high gear.
Teaming with Mike Woodring, Crocker piloted the #16 360 Sprint
to five wins, twelve heat wins and one new track record. Her
performances caught the attention of the National Sprint Car
Hall of Fame, where they awarded her the 360 Wildcard Award and
the ESS Outstanding Newcomer Award. Propelled by her performance
on the track, her team won the 360 Team of the Year Award from
the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame as well.
The World of Outlaws met Erin in 2004, racing with the likes
of Danny Lasoski and Steve Kinser, she gained experience in that
coveted series. Her performances caught the eye of two respected
faces in the world of Nascar. Ray Evernham and Kasey Kahne, they
teamed to sign Crocker to a developmental deal under the Evernham
Motorsports umbrella for 2005. She will get time behind the
wheel of a Kasey Kahne Motorsports USAC machine in early 2005.
The remaining of 2005 will see her in both the ARCA and Busch
Series for select events in an Evernham Motorsports Dodge.
From age seven, Crocker knew her future was in the seat of a
race car. Her determination and passion to win has driven her to
succeed at all levels. She has earned the respect of her fellow
drivers and fans alike with her skill behind the wheel of a car.
With the guidance of Ray Evernham in her corner, I believe we are
watching a star in the making.
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