HOMESTEAD, FL (January 17, 2006) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL returned to the track for the second weekend in a row for the Florida Region SCCA Frank Meleney and Dick Springer Memorial Winter Nationals and came away with her second straight podium finish.

During Friday’s open testing on Homestead- Miami Speedway's 2.21-mile, 14-turn road course, Mishael hit the wall tearing off the front nose section. Her CDC Builders/Racing for Kids Formula Mazda was repaired in time for Saturday’s qualifying and Mishael secured a fourth place starting position.

For Sunday’s race Mishael Abbott was nearly 1.5 seconds quicker through the infield section but a change in wind direction left her struggling to keep up down the front-straight. Mishael brought home a third place finish for her second podium finish in two races to kick off 2006.

“The car handled great in the infield but I just couldn’t hang with the other cars on the oval,” said Mishael. “I qualified fourth and ended up with my second podium finish in the first two weekends of the year, so I am happy with that.”

Mishael’s upcoming race and on-track activities include several events which are in the planning stage at this time. A trip to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA is next on the calendar with actual racing and dates yet to be determined. Mishael anticipates full participation in the Indy Racing League® Indy Pro Series™ for 2006, final details are in the works.

Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and at the University of Indianapolis, working on a sports marketing degree. Mishael is seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire 2006 season in one of the premier open-wheeled series’.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 10, 2006) – Twelve Formula Mazda drivers racing in a combined race group of over seventy-five cars took to Sebring International Raceway’s 3.6 mile long-track for the SCCA Central Florida Region Winter Vacation Nationals on Sunday. Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL started third on the grid in her CDC Builders/Racing for Kids Formula Mazda.

The race was red flagged after the first lap following a thirteen-car wreck in turn 1 with Mishael in fourth place. The scheduled thirteen-lap race resumed nearly an hour later with a side-by-side restart. Mishael worked her way into second place over the next two laps and was gaining on the leader when another major incident developed in turn 17. Mishael navigated her way through the debris before race officials decided to black flag the race giving her a second place finish in the first National race of 2006.

“It was an unusual weekend at Sebring with the cold weather and all the wrecks but it was still a good weekend for us,” Mishael stated afterward. “We learned some valuable things with the shocks and it showed with my best time ever here. I am ready to go to Homestead next week and improve upon my second place finish today.”

Mishael’s next race is this coming weekend at Homestead-Miami, January 14 and 15, 2006, for the Florida Region SCCA Frank Meleney and Dick Springer Memorial Winter Nationals.

Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and at the University of Indianapolis, working on a sports marketing degree. Mishael is seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire 2006 season in one of the premier open-wheeled series’.

SEBRING, FL (January 7, 2006) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL was back at Sebring International Raceway for the SCCA Central Florida Region Winter Vacation National on Saturday. Taking to the Sebring’s 3.6 mile long-track after a day of open practice, Mishael qualified third among twelve Formula Mazda competitors.

“I am excited about how the car is running,” said Mishael. “This is the fastest I have ever gone here at Sebring and I am looking forward to a podium finish tomorrow.”

Mishael will start Sunday’s National race behind two experienced Formula Mazda competitors in what is expected to be an exciting race on another cool day in Central Florida.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 12, 2005) – Tune in or set your recorders to SPEED Channel on Wednesday morning at 4:00 a.m. (EST) to see Mishael Abbott battle in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Formula Mazda National Championships Runoffs® at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Formula Mazda and Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver, Mishael Abbott struggled setting-up her rented Formula Mazda during qualifying then battled from the twentieth starting position to earn the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for improving the most positions during the race. On the first lap Mishael got around four cars to take sixteenth and by the end of lap two she found herself in thirteenth.

Mishael received pre-race television coverage and significant on-track exposure in her Skyline Management/CDC Builders/Racing for Kids #36 Formula Mazda.

The Formula Mazda National Championship race is scheduled for re-airing on Wednesday, December 14 at 4:00 a.m. (EST) on SPEED Channel. TV coverage of all 23 races in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Kohler are being replayed in December.

Mishael Abbott Charges Forward in Formula Mazda National Championship

LEXINGTON, OH (September 24, 2005) – Formula Mazda and Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver, Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL battled from the back to earn the Sunoco Hard Charger Award during the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Formula Mazda National Championships Runoffs® at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Mishael started twentieth on the grid of twenty-five Formula Mazda competitors vying to become this year’s National Champion. On the first lap Mishael got around four cars to take sixteenth and by the end of lap two she found herself in thirteenth. Mishael looked for a place to pass during the remaining eighteen laps but could only maintain position.

For her efforts Mishael Abbott earned the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for improving the most positions during the race in the Skyline Management/CDC Builders/Racing for Kids #36 Formula Mazda.

Click here for photos

“I am very happy with the results today and winning the Sunoco Hard Charger Award,” Mishael said afterward. “We struggled all week with mechanical problems but I got a great jump at the green flag and passed a few cars. I think I got the most I could out of the car today.”

David Donovan took the checkered leading flag-to-flag with Chris Schanzle, having moved up from the fifth starting position, finishing right behind. Post-race technical inspection found a problem with Donovan’s car and Chris Schanzle was proclaimed National Champion. Schanzle was the 2003 National Champion following a similar disqualification to Doug Peterson (the eventual 2004 Champion).

Mishael Abbott finished twelfth in her second trip to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs®, improving on her seventeenth place finish from last year.

TV coverage of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Kohler is on a tape-delayed basis. The Formula Mazda National Championship race is scheduled for initial airing on December 4 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) on SPEED Channel.

Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and at the University of Indianapolis, working on a sports marketing degree. Mishael is seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire 2006 season in one of the premier open-wheeled series’.

For more information, check out www.mishaelabbott.com. For sponsorship opportunities contact Paul Abbott at paul@mishaelabbott.com

LEXINGTON, OH (September 22, 2005) – Formula Mazda and Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver, Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL is back at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championship Runoffs®.

Racing since age 14, Mishael Abbott was the first female to win Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) feature shifter-kart race and earlier this year became the first female to race in the Indy Racing League® Menards Infiniti Pro Series™.

Now Mishael is looking to become the first female to win an SCCA, open wheel, National Championship at this year’s SCCA National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Kohler at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Mishael Abbott, 24, will be piloting the black #36 Formula Mazda this Saturday in her second trip to the Runoffs®.

The SCCA National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Kohler have evolved into what is now commonly agreed to be the Super Bowl, or “Olympics” of club road racing. The Runoffs were named by Car and Driver magazine as one of the Top 10 racing events in motorsports. Again this year, nearly 800 drivers will be competing for National Championship medals in 23 different classes.

“I am excited to be back at the Runoffs again this year,” said Mishael Abbott. “I only ran a limited season in Formula Mazda while concentrating on racing in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series earlier this year. I was fortunate to qualify for the Runoffs and will make the most of the opportunity this week.”

Mishael Abbott qualified twentieth out of twenty-five competitors for Saturday’s National Championship race after struggling with mechanical problems all week. Race time is 11:55 a.m. September 24, 2005 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. TV coverage is on a tape-delayed basis with the Formula Mazda race scheduled for initial showing December 4 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) on SPEED Channel.

Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and at the University of Indianapolis, working on a sports marketing degree. Mishael is seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire 2006 season of the Indy Racing League® Menards Infiniti Pro Series™.

ALTON, VA (August 7, 2005) – Formula Mazda and Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver, Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL returned to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) this weekend to defend her title from last year in the Oak Tree National hosted by the North Carolina Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

The field was set on Saturday morning’s qualifying in ideal conditions with Mishael Abbott slotting in fourth. Due to Formula Mazda tire rules none of the competitors used the afternoon qualifying session to improve their times so as not to use up their tires.

After spraining her ankle while helping change tires Saturday afternoon, Mishael was ready for the early Sunday morning race with her ankle sore and heavily taped. The Formula Mazda field ran all 14 laps around VIR’s 17-turn, 3.27-mile road course virtually nose to tail in the same order they qualified. Mishael finished fourth with Chris Schanzle, the 2003 Formula Mazda National Champion, taking the checkered flag by a narrow margin.

“I knew this was going to be a very good race today and passing was going to be tough,” Mishael Abbott stated afterward. “I started fourth last year and made it to the front so I was hoping for the same today.”

“We missed on the shock set-up a little today,” said Mishael. “The car was good at the beginning but we quickly lost the handling. My foot went numb during the race and with the handling going away, I was glad it was only a 14-lap race.”

Mishael’s fourth place finish qualifies her for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, September 19-25, 2005.

ALTON, VA (August 6, 2005) – Formula Mazda and Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver, Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL returned to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) this weekend to defend her win from last year in the Oak Tree National.

Mishael qualified fourth today around VIR’s 17-turn, 3.27-mile road course for Sunday’s race hosted by the North Carolina Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Interestingly Mishael qualified fourth last year before taking over first place by lap six and holding off numerous passing attempts to secure her first SCCA National event win.

“I qualified with a 1:58.55 today which is a second faster than my fastest time here,” said Mishael Abbott. “Fourth is where I started last year when I won! The field is very tight with third place being at 1:58.52, so I am looking forward to a good race tomorrow morning.”

Mishael used Friday’s practice sessions to break in a new engine and work on car setup prior to Saturday’s qualifying sessions.  Mishael sprained her ankle helping change tires at the end of the day after qualifying.  She expects to be able to drive in Sunday's race.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 5, 2005) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL attended the 3rd Annual “Women in the Winner’s Circle” gathering in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday. The purpose was to celebrate the achievements of women in motorsports and to help prepare the way for future opportunities in motorsports.

More than 30 champion drivers and other leaders in the motorsports industry joined for the luncheon, silent auction, and award ceremony. The event, also open to the public, featured special guest, Janet Guthrie, who signed copies of her new book “Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle.” All proceeds benefit the Lyn St. James Foundation.

The Lyn St. James Foundation and Driver Development Program provide leadership, vision, resources, and financial support in order to create an open environment for women’s growth in automotive fields.

Lyn St. James presented the Kara Hendrick Spirit Award to Sondi Eden, 28, of Crawfordsville, IN, a USAC regional midget champ last year. Mishael Abbott was the recipient in 2000.

“What Lyn St. James is doing for women in motorsports is incredible,” said Mishael Abbott. “To have been included with this elite group of champion drivers is a thrill.”

Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of the Indy Racing League® Menards Infiniti Pro Series™.

WEST ALLIS, WI (July 23, 2005) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL traveled to The Milwaukee Mile to support Menards Infiniti Pro Series and her fellow drivers in this weekend's Milwaukee 100. 

Mishael spent Friday and Saturday meeting with various officials, teams, and marketing people working to round up support and partnerships to compete in more events this year and for the entire 2006 Menards Infiniti Pro Series season.

           Click here for weekend photos

The fastest time during Friday's practice sessions was turned in by Jeff Simmons driving the No. 24 Team ISI Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone for Kenn Hardley Racing at 137.797 mph (26.5172 seconds).  Jamie Camara won his third pole on Saturday driving the No. 1 CELG/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone, with a quick lap of 142.852 mph (25.5790 seconds) in qualifying for the Milwaukee 100 on July 24.

The IndyCar Series front row was secured by Penske Racing led, by Sam Hornish with an IndyCar Series track-record lap of 170.296 mph (21.4567 seconds) in the No. 6 Toyota-powered Dallara. Helio Castroneves followed (170.219; 21.4665) in the No. 3 car.

The Indy Racing League announced today a driver development series partnering with the Knoxville Nationals to award The Knoxville Nationals Rookie of the Year a Menards Infiniti Pro Series test with Brian Stewart Racing car and if the driver passes the test a six-race minimum in the 2006 season.  The partnership opens a conduit for top sprint car drivers to the Indy Racing League's Menards Infiniti Pro Series, the stepping stone to the IndyCar Series.

ELKHART LAKE, WI (June 23, 2005) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL will be competing a Formula Mazda prepared by Racers Edge in the 50th Anniversary Kohler® / Sports Car Club of America Chicago Region June Sprints® this weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

Mishael has been driving for Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports as the only female in the Indy Racing League® Menards Infiniti Pro Series™, competing in four events this season. A break in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series schedule allows Mishael to return to Road America where last year she won the 2004 Chicago Indoor Racing Hard Charger Award.

“I’m so excited to be back at the June Sprints this year for their 50th Anniversary,” said Mishael Abbott. “We weren’t sure I would be able to make it because we’ve been concentrating on the Menards Infiniti Pro Series but Racers Edge was able to provide me a car this weekend, allowing me to run on one of my favorite tracks. I plan to improve on my Hard Charger award from last year and finish on top.”

Formula Mazda qualifying sessions are at 11:30 a.m. (CDT) on Saturday and 9:40 a.m. (CDT) on Sunday with the race scheduled for Sunday afternoon, June 26.

Mishael Abbott Races to the Challenge of Indy Again
Abbott takes on the road course in the Liberty Challenge

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 15, 2005) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL will be back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend but this time on the road course in the Indy Racing League® Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ Liberty Challenge. The only female in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series returns to the site where just three weeks ago she finished eleventh in the Futaba Freedom 100 and where Danica Patrick captured the hearts of many in the Indy 500.

As support for the FIA Formula One® United States Grand Prix, Mishael’s Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports team had to reconfigure her Menards Infiniti Pro Series car for the road course at Indy.

“It’s exciting to be back at Indy, and this time the challenge is the road course,” said Mishael Abbott. “My engineer, Mike Colliver, and the rest of the guys have made some adjustments from our road course test here in March and we’re ready to show them what we got.”

“I cannot wait to compete on the road course at the Speedway this weekend,” Abbott said. “Having missed the race at Texas I am definitely ready to get in the racecar. With my racing background being on road courses, I feel we will have an advantage.”

Mishael will put that experience to use as she competes in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series Liberty Challenge on Saturday, June 18, 4:45 p.m. (CDT). Television coverage is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at 4:00 p.m. (CDT) on ESPN2.

An autograph session for the Menards Infiniti Pro Series drivers is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda Plaza.

Mishael Abbott takes on the Speedway in the Futaba Freedom 100

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 26, 2005) –

Driver: Mishael Abbott                                                                             Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports Menards Infiniti Pro Series #91

Friday’s running of Futaba Freedom 100 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Start of Race: May 27, 2005, 12:30 p.m. (CDT) Live TV coverage joined in progress at 1:00 p.m. (CDT)

Mishael qualified fourteenth in field of eighteen

Quotes from Mishael Abbott:

 “It has been a long month of May here at Indianapolis - spotting for Jaques Lazier and getting prepared for this race. Now it’s finally here and I’m so happy to be driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today.”

“We missed some laps during the practice sessions and are a little behind right now. I got everything I could out of the car and drove as fast as it would go for qualifying. We’ll look at the data, make some changes for final practice, and work to find some more speed before the race tomorrow.”

“We have a very good car for the race tomorrow. We picked up a little more speed in the last practice session and the car is handling well in traffic. I’m excited about my first race at the Speedway and am looking for a top five finish.”

For on-track interview opportunities, contact Craig Anderson at craig@mishaelabbott.com.  For sponsorship opportunities contact Paul Abbott at paul@mishaelabbott.com

Mishael Races at Gateway International Raceway in SCCA Spec Miata for first time

MADISON, IL (May 9, 2005) – Mishael Abbott spent the weekend racing in a car with fenders and a roof for the first time in her career at the Gateway International Raceway's road course. 

Participating in R.E. Technologies Racing's driver development program, Mishael spent three days working to enhance her car control skills and smoothness with Roger Johnson, owner of R.E. Technologies Racing and co-owner of the Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports Menards Infiniti Pro Series team that Mishael is driving in 2005.  Abbott and Johnson spent a lot of time pouring over the information from the development program's data acquisition system after each session in her Spec Miata.

Click here for weekend photos

Mishael improved her lap times every time she went out on the track throughout the weekend.  For Saturday's SCCA Regional race Mishael qualified tenth for a field of fifteen Spec Miata cars.  After a back and forth duel for the eighth spot, Mishael made a beautiful pass on the last lap to take eighth place.  Sunday's SCCA National race showed similar results with Mishael again finishing eighth.

"The weekend was a fantastic learning experience," commented Mishael Abbott.  "Roger Johnson showed be a number of things that I will be able to use immediately to improve my driving skills.  I can't wait to get back to Indianapolis and put it to use at the Futaba Freedom 100 in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series car."

Media Visits Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports Shop in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 6, 2005) – Members of the media visited the Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports shop as part of the three-day 2005 Indianapolis 500 Media Tour. The media met with Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ driver Mishael Abbott, IndyCar® Series driver Paul Dana, and Hemelgarn Racing Team Manager Lee Kunzman, Tuesday afternoon.

Mishael competed in the first two races of the MIPS season at Homestead-Miami and Phoenix but did not compete in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg due to lack of test time in road-course trim and limited sponsorship funding. She recently tested on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

“We put it on the outside of the second row at Homestead, and that opened a lot of eyes," Mishael said. "At the test here, I put my suit on, walked out, looked down at my suit and said: 'I'm driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. How cool is that?' "

Mishael will be testing at Kentucky Speedway on April 15 and then at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 2 on the oval in preparation for the Futaba Freedom 100 to be held preceding the Indy 500.

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (March 29, 2005) – Mishael Abbott and the Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports team have elected to withdraw their entry of the No. 91 car for Mishael in this weekend's Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Due to the fact that Mishael is running a limited schedule because of the current level of funding, the team will focus on preparing for the two races at Indianapolis and competing for a podium at each of these races.

"We are scheduled to do more testing between now and the Futaba Freedom 100," stated Mishael Abbott. "We have a great group of people working with us and I expect us to perform well when we return at Indy."

Mishael will be in St. Petersburg throughout the weekend making appearances, doing interviews, visiting with her fans, and drumming up sponsorship support so she can complete in the remainder of the 2005 Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ season. Mishael will appear with Racing for Kids® at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg Thursday morning and with other Indy Racing League drivers at East Bay Raceway Park Saturday night.

Tests Menards Infiniti Pro Series on USGP Road Course

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 24, 2005) – Mishael Abbott made her first laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, testing her Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ car. Mishael became one of only a select few women who have driven at Indianapolis.

“Being at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, even if we were going the wrong way around the track, was the realization of a life-long dream," commented Mishael.  "Ever since I first visited the IMS museum with my family as a youngster, I've dreamt about driving there. If I'm not mistaken, I now become only the fifth female racecar driver to have driven on the speedway. It's truly an honor to join such an elite group of professional women.”

Mishael ran a limited number of laps while working to set up the car after a crash during the Phoenix 100 last weekend.

”Our day was difficult in some ways and yet accomplished many objectives," Mishael stated. "The Ron Hemelgarn / Roger Johnson team worked tirelessly to get the car prepared in road course trim to make this test day. I was able to get comfortable with the steering and shifting and overall handling characteristics of the car by late morning. Once afternoon testing began we focused on braking systems and learning the track configuration.”

Mishael heads to to St. Petersburg for the first Indy Racing League street race on the downtown St. Petersburg street course.  Mishael will had back at the Speedway in early May for a test session on the Oval (going the correct direction this time) in preparation for the Futaba Freedom 100 to be held preceding the 500.

AVONDALE, AZ (March 19, 2005) – Mishael Abbott scored another top ten in only her second career start in the Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ Phoenix 100 at Phoenix International Raceway Saturday. The caution-filled event did not spare the second-generation driver as her No. 91 car spun and contacted the outside wall in turn two in nearly the same location as occurred during Friday practice. 

“Right now, we do not know what happened,” stated Mishael Abbott. “The guys worked really hard to fix the damage from yesterday’s incident.  We’re analyzing all the data to try and determine just what went on. We’ll use what we learn from this event and move on to bigger and better things.” 

“Overall we had a challenging weekend,” said Mishael Abbott. “We will look at the data and reload for St. Petersburg.” 

Pending the effect of repairs and availability of parts for the car, Mishael and the Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports team plan to practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Formula 1 road course March 23 and then to St. Petersburg for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on April 3, 2005. The event marks the first road course event in the history of the Menards Infiniti Pro Series. It is also the second “home” race of the season. Mishael resides in Coral Springs, Florida. 

Menards Infiniti Pro Series is the top ladder series for the Indy Racing League IndyCar® Series and incubator for the racing stars of tomorrow.  Mishael is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of Menards Infiniti Pro Series. 

AVONDALE, AZ (March 18, 2005) – Mishael Abbott, the first female driver to compete in the Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ two weeks ago at Homestead-Miami, arrived at Phoenix International Raceway for the Phoenix 100 this weekend.  Near the start of the second practice session Friday morning, Mishael hit the turn two wall driving the No.91 Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports entry. 

"Not really sure what happened, we have an inkling that maybe something broke on the car and we will go back and take a look at it and then see what happens," commented Mishael.  “The guys are working really hard to get the car together so I can get back out there this afternoon.”

Mishael missed the official qualifying session but will start fourteenth on the grid for Sunday's Phoenix 100, 1:00pm, ET.

PHOENIX, AZ (March 16, 2005) – Mishael Abbott is ready to run in an unexpected opportunity on Saturday, March 19 at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) in Avondale, Arizona. The first female driver to compete in the Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ will drive the No.91 car in her second race in the series, after finishing eighth at Miami two weeks ago.

“After the Homestead-Miami race, team owners Ron Hemelgarn and Roger Johnson and I debriefed,” stated Abbott. “Based on my performance and the response from the fans, they wanted me to add Phoenix to our lineup. I am thrilled with their vote of confidence and look forward to the challenge of the Phoenix 100 one-mile oval.”

The Coral Springs, Florida native qualified fourth in her first Menards Infiniti Pro Series race driving No.42, but currently runs the No.91 entry for Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports. Mishael credits her fast learning to her team.

“I really have a strong team,” smiled Mishael Abbott. “We have jelled from the time I showed up at Homestead to do my rookie test. We communicate well together and I believe I can learn a lot from them.”

The 23-year-old rookie has been using the time between Miami and Phoenix to mentally prepare. She has spent time on the phone talking with team manager Lee Kunzman and other drivers about that to expect at PIR.

“We’re going with the same approach that we used at Miami,” said Mishael. “To do our own thing. Our focus is to complete every lap and take it step-by-step, gaining speed as I get more comfortable with the car. Hopefully we will be right there at the end in the hunt for a podium finish.”

Menards Infiniti Pro Series is the official support series for the Indy Racing League IndyCars® Series and incubator for the racing stars of tomorrow. Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

Abbott gets eighth place finish and a ton of experience

MIAMI, FL (March 6, 2005) – Mishael Abbott, of Coral Springs, Florida drove to an eighth place finish in her first Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ race at the Homestead 100 in Miami on Sunday. Racing with the Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports team, Mishael completed the 1.5-mile oval of the Homestead-Miami Speedway with an average speed of 150.184 mph.

“Sure, I would like to have finished higher, but this is a great start,” Mishael said about her debut in the series. “ I achieved my goal to complete the race and gain as much experience as I can. The best part of the weekend was the opportunity to connect with my fans.”

Click here for weekend photos

The weekend included scheduled and impromptu meet-n-greet opportunities to talk with fans both young and old. Mishael holds a special fondness for her young fans, taking time to chat and sign autograph cards while reminding them they can achieve anything if they never stop reaching for their dreams.

Tape-delayed television coverage of the Mishael’s race in the Homestead 100 will be shown on ESPN2, Monday, March 14, at 3:00p.m.  ET.

Mishael is slated to complete five races in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series but following Homestead, the Phoenix 100 was added to her schedule. She will compete on the 1-mile oval of the Phoenix International Raceway, March 19.

Menards Infiniti Pro Series is the official support series for the Indy Racing League IndyCars® Series and incubator for the racing stars of tomorrow. Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

Mishael thanks her sponsors: 42 Below Vodka, Euro Kitchens, Ford Allen Inc., C.D.C. Builders, Kaufman Lynn, Langan, Shin Wellness, Impact!, Skyline Management Group, and 99.9 Kiss Country.

Abbott debuts in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series this weekend

MIAMI, FL (March 5, 2005) – Today, Coral Springs resident, Mishael Abbott, landed an impressive fourth-place qualifying position in her first Menards Infiniti Pro Series™ race scheduled for Sunday, March 6, noon ET. Driving car No. 42 for Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports, Mishael rounded the 1.5-mile oval on the Homestead-Miami Speedway in 28.4 seconds landing her weekend personal best of 185.9 m.p.h.

Racing since age 14, Mishael Abbott’s accomplishments include a number of “firsts”: First female to win a SKUSA feature shifter-kart race, driving her Formula Mazda earned the Hard Charger award at the Kohler® Chicago Region “June Sprints” in 2004, and first female to test a Menards Infiniti Pro Series car.

Menards Infiniti Pro Series is the official support series for the Indy Racing League IndyCars® Series and incubator for the racing stars of tomorrow. Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

Mishael thanks her sponsors: 42 Below Vodka, Euro Kitchens, Ford Allen Inc., C.D.C. Builders, Kaufman Lynn, Langan, Shin Wellness, Impact!, Skyline Management Group, and 99.9 Kiss Country.

Abbott debuts in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series this weekend

HOMESTEAD, FL (February 28, 2005) – When Coral Springs, Florida native Mishael Abbott burns rubber on the 1.5-mile oval of the Homestead-Miami Speedway she will make history - becoming the first female to compete in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series ™ on Sunday, March 6, noon ET. Mishael Abbott signed with powerhouse team of Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports to compete in at least five races in the 2005 Menards Infiniti Pro Series season. She will drive a Dallara/Infiniti Q45 V8/ Firestone for Hemelgarn Johnson.

“This year will mark our fourth season in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series,” team owner Ron Hemelgarn said. “We’re excited to have Mishael on board for part of the season and expect good things from her. Since the beginning, we’ve won at least one race every season, and we’re hopeful Mishael will deliver another victory.”

“I’m very excited, but ready for the challenging next step in my professional racing career – the Menards Infiniti Pro Series,” Mishael commented. “Signing with a great championship winning team like Hemelgarn Johnson Motorsports is a dream come true that puts me that much closer to my ultimate goal of winning the Indianapolis 500.”

Racing since age 14, Mishael Abbott’s accomplishments include a number of “firsts”: First female to win a SKUSA feature shifter-kart race, driving her Formula Mazda earned the Hard Charger award at the Kohler® Chicago Region “June Sprints” in 2004, and first female to test a Menards Infiniti Pro Series car.

Menards Infiniti Pro Series is the official support series for the Indy Racing League IndyCars® Series and incubator for the racing stars of tomorrow. Mishael Abbott is pursuing her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary school teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire season of Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

Mishael thanks her sponsors: 42 Below Vodka, Ford Allen Inc., C.D.C. Builders, Kaufman Lynn, Langan, Shin Wellness, Impact!, Savage Designs, Skyline Management Group, and 99.9 Kiss Country.

Mishael Abbott To Appear on SHORT TRACK USA Live Radio this Wednesday, February 23 

Coral Springs, FL (February 22, 2005) – Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL, will appear live on SHORT TRACK USA on Wednesday, February 23, 2005.  SHORT TRACK USA is a weekly racing radio show on WDCF AM Dade City/Tampa, FL, hosted by Tony Modica, every Wednesday evening from      7PM - 9PM Eastern.

Mishael will be a special show guest with planned live discussion Wednesday, February 23 about 8:00 p.m. Eastern.  ShortTrackUSA.Net broadcasts from WDCF 1350 AM.  Listen live on the World Wide Web at www.KGRN.info via Live365.com or through www.indianasportsradio.com by selecting Short Track USA from the -LIVE TALK SHOWS- pulldown menu.  Log in early to ensure your connection and not miss out on the interview with Mishael.