Camberley (UK) race car driver Claire Tobin impressed onlookers in her debut in a Late Model NASCAR at Hickory Motor Speedway, NC last week. The 28 year old is the latest Brit to drive the Charlie Sigmon Racing Chevy, following in the footsteps of GT driver Tony Littlejohn and the team’s regular pilot Rob Croydon. Having completed close to 100 laps and having previously only raced go-karts, Tobin remained unphased by the car’s size and power, and driving on an oval circuit. Team Principal Charlie Sigmon added: “Claire showed much natural ability and talent. She listened and did what she was told. I believe she is the first English female NASCAR driver, and I would like to be the first US team to run her in Late Model Stock. She will return to North Carolina for another test in the near future, then we’ll see if we can organize a race. Tobin is herself looking forward to returning: “NASCAR is what racing is all about to me. To drive on the oval was a fantastic experience, and nothing in Europe comes close. Going to the home of NASCAR and joining a real NASCAR team with depth of experience and tradition means so much, and I cannot wait to get back in the Charlie Sigmon Chevy”( Crash.net )(4-16-2003)
