TRENTON, Ont. – June 29, 2016 – Shelby Mills continues to earn her stripes in the Bainer’s OilGARD Canadian Modified division and drove to a career-best eighth-place finish during the month of June.
The rising star out of Trenton has adjusted well in her first season behind the wheel of a purpose-built racecar after several seasons in the four-cylinder division. Two months in to the season, the adjustment period is nearing completion. Mills has learned quickly and was rewarded with an eighth-place finish on June 18, her best tally to date.
“It was really exciting for me to finish eighth because I’ve been trying so hard to do so,” Mills said. “I still don’t feel like I’m where I’d like to be. Things are going well and I’m definitely learning a lot still. I’m probably my toughest critic.”
While Mills pushes herself the hardest, she has an excellent support system to help keep her on track. Led by her boyfriend and fellow racer Justin Ramsay, along with help from Pro Late Model pilot Charlie Sandercock, Mills has some intelligent minds wrenching on her car.
The driver of the ABC Taxi/Dibbits Excavating No.78 is spending a lot of time improving outside the car in addition to becoming accustomed to the feel and reaction of her new ride.
“A lot of my learning happens off the racetrack in conversations with Justin and Charlie,” Mills explained. “Watching videos allows me to see how other drivers drive the car in the corner much deeper than me. It helps me to see that.”
Mills still has some nerves when she straps in to the car, as can be expected with a rookie season, but the fear is gone.
“I feel like I’m better. I’ve been bumped around and I know it’s not that bad. It’s going to happen because it’s a competitive close class,” Mills stated confidently. “It’s going to be a little rougher. I need to stay in the gas and be a little more aggressive.”
Brighton’s Mid-Season championships start the new month on July 2. The event features a 40-lap feature for the Canadian Modifieds, the longest race of Mills’ career to date, as well as time trials to determine the line-up. It’s a unique challenge for all drivers in the division, but Mills is eager to tackle it head on.
“Time trials make me nervous, but I’m going to try and apply everything everyone has said to me. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to see what the car’s going to do,” Mills said.
The 40-lap distance will likely benefit Mills who has enjoyed extra distance races so far this season at Brighton.
“I thought it would be a big adjustment getting used to the new car and running those laps, but I think I need them. Currently, I think the longer the race is, the better I do. I build more confidence in myself as the race progresses,” she commented.
Mills’ five top-10 finishes in her first seven starts are an impressive accomplishment. She’s eager to add a top-five to her resume next month, but her progress is undeniable regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard.
Find complete event details for this month’s event at Brighton Speedway at www.brightonspeedway.ca.
SEASON STATS
Shelby Mills 2016 Season: 7 Starts – 0 Wins, 0 Top-5s, 5 Top-10s
SHELBY’S SOCIAL
Facebook: facebook.com/DirtyFastRacing
Twitter: @Shelbs78
RACING FOR A CAUSE
Shelby Mills is racing in support of Muscular Dystrophy research via the Laps 4 MD program. Shelby will donate $1 for every lap she leads during the 2016 season. For more information on the Laps 4 MD program, visit www.muscle.ca/laps-for-muscular-dystrophy/.
Shelby Mills’ 2016 Canadian Modified season is supported by a number of dedicated corporate sponsors, including: ABC Taxi, Dibbits Excavating, KD Transmission, C. Smith Machine Shop, Rest Easy Home Inspection, Empey Tire, Hennessy Point Landscaping and Hotch’s Auto Parts.
Prepared By Clayton Johns Media
Photo Attachment: Shelby Mills drives the No.78 ABC Taxi/Dibbits Excavating car down the back stretch at Brighton on June 25, 2016. (Rod Henderson photo).
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