Everyone has heard of Danica Patrick, in fact there’s even been some Danica Patrick overkill. But do you know Johanna Long. Danica became the first woman to lead a lap and/or have pole position at the Daytona 500. She finished eighth. But Danica has blazed a trail for Johanna Long.
Johanna Long is a NASCAR driver from Pensacola, Florida. She was the winner of the 2010 Snowball Derby, and drove for her family-owned team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011 on a limited basis. She currently drives the #70 Foretravel Motorcoach Chevrolet Impala for ML Motorsports in the Nationwide Series.
Johanna Long is currently planning to race in 21 of the 33 races in the NASCAR Nationwide series this year. Last season she finished 20th , not far behind Danica Patrick, who came in 10th after starting all 33 races. Patrick also ran in 10 Sprint Cup races and was voted the most popular driver on the circuit. Danica, the most popular driver? You don’t say!
Because they’re both women and both sophomores in NASCAR, it’s hard for some not to compare the two. Like Danica Patrick she drives an Impala. And Johnna Long has made some history herself. Last season as a rookie in 2012 she became the youngest female driver in series history when she hit the track at Daytona.
She finished 19th at the drive for DRIVE4COPD 300.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, a Google News site generating millions of visitors. He also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
A Fulbright scholar, author and MBA, Banks has appeared on the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB)