An Opportunity of a Lifetime for Jennifer Jo Cobb

Some people dream about the chance of even attending “The World Center of Speed”; for ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb, it’s now an opportunity of a lifetime as she heads to Daytona looking to etch her name into the record books.

Cobb returns to the ARS (ARCA RE/MAX Series) after a two-year absence and she’s chosen one of the biggest races on the ’07 schedule, the ARCA 200 at Daytona.

“I am so excited about this week, I’m craving it, ” said Kansas City, Kansas native Jennifer Jo Cobb. “It’s been a longtime since I’ve competed in a race in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and I’m ready to return. ”

She continued, “Making this race is so important to me. I have tested at Daytona in the past, but never competed in a race here. Competing in Saturday’s race will enhance my resume not only in ARCA, but everywhere. ”

Once Cobb qualifies for the ARCA 200 at Daytona, she will become the first ever female owner and driver to earn a berth into the season opening race. “That’s an exciting fact, ” continued Cobb. “We have put together a strong program for this race, but to have the chance of doing something that no one has ever done is amazing. ”

Hoisting the No. 82, the team will unveil a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for this week’s event. Francis Engineering will be providing the horsepower for Cobb’s Daytona attempt. Francis Engineering has past successful results with restrictor plate ace Mike Wallace at the controls.

Cobb is also hoping to gain the support of fellow female competitors and their fans, who she hopes will wear the product in their respective racing sanctions. “Driver Boutique is very important to me, but it’s also very exciting, ” added Cobb. “Not only do I want the support of female race fans to propel my racing career, but I want Driver Boutique to eventually sponsor other aspiring female drivers across the country. We hope to bring further attention to Driver Boutique this weekend. ”

“This dream is possible because of the support of some very special people and I will never forget it., ” Cobb said. “I’m very thankful for everyone that has joined us for our mission. We just hope to have a very productive week and a great finish on Saturday. ”

A good reason why Jennifer Jo Cobb is excited about heading into Daytona this week is because she is re-joining her former crew chief Sammy Speaks. Speaks and Cobb worked together in 2004 when Cobb took the wheel of the No. 19 KLM Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo for three races. In those three races, Cobb shined capturing three top-10 finishes including a career best seventh at the tough and demanding Nashville Superspeedway. She also posted a ninth at her hometown race at Kansas Speedway and finishing her short KLM stint with a 10th at Chicagoland Speedway.

“When this opportunity came about Sammy was the first person I called, ” commented Cobb, who also has some NASCAR Busch Series starts to her resume. “Sammy and I work well together. He is a great leader, I can trust him and I know I can concentrate on being a driver this week. ”

Following Daytona, Cobb is hoping to continue racing, but sponsorship may stall those efforts. “I would like to continue racing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, the NASCAR Busch and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, but we need to have some backing in order to do so. Hopefully a good run at Daytona will spark some interest and we’ll be back. ”

The ARCA 200 at Daytona (80 laps/200 miles) is the first of 23 events on the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. Practice begins Thursday, February 8 with a five-hour (12:00pm-5:00pm EST) practice session planned. Qualifying is slated for Friday, February 9 at 12:00pm EST. Final practice is limited to 55 minutes (5:15-6:10pm EST) on Friday evening. The ARCA 200 at Daytona will be aired live on the SPEED channel beginning at 4:00pm EST.

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