Arlene Pittman

Positive Performance for Pittman in Pittsburgh

Sept 15th, 2002
PITTSBURGH, PA - It was a long week for NASCAR driver Arlene Pittman who came to Pittsburgh on September 6th to help promote the Goody's Dash Series NASCAR Touring event to be held at the Motordrome Speedway in Smithton, just south of Pittsburgh.

Pittman piqued the interest of PA race fans when her car went on display at the Motordrome during the previous week's racing program. She signed autographs and talked racing with the "would-be Goody's Dash fans".

Tuesday, September 10th, she and her #7 Annette Ganassi Pontiac GMC Truck "Pink Fire" car were hosted by a racing themed restaurant, Quaker Steak and Lube where she was interviewed by local media and held an autograph session.

September 11th found Pittman visiting the world-renowned Pittsburgh Children's Hospital where she delivered 150 coloring books and crayons to the patients.

"September 11 is a day full of the sadness of remembering America's tragedy last year. I wanted to the kids and staff to have a bright spot, a joyful diversion on that day", said Pittman. It was a very moving opportunity for the racer who held hands with and passed out hero cards, hugs and most of all, hope to many sick and terminally ill children.

The night before the race Pittman was still shaking hands and talking racing with prospective Goody's Dash Series fans. She and the Annette Ganassi Pontiac "Pink Fire" were on display at a local mall where crowds gathered around the Goody's Dash car.

On Friday the 13th at the Motordrome Speedway, Arlene took the green in a provisional spot. Pittman was taking her time searching for the best line to race in.

On lap 30, Pittman carefully avoided a spinning car in turn one. She was not so lucky on lap 39 when an unavoidable collision took place in turn four when the car in front of her lost control. With a bent and battered right front corner, Pittman limped around the track for her final lap with sparks flying from the front wheel.

Pittman may not have won the race, but she won the hearts of many Pittsburgh folk who were in the stands wearing pink in support of the "Pink Fire" driver.

"It was a disappointing finish to what was an promising opportunity for me. But we accomplished other things up here. We brought hope to kids and introduced the area to the Goody's Dash Series NASCAR Touring and we showed them some great racing," said Pittman.

For more information concerning Arlene Pittman Racing Inc., please call 912-565-8042 or email apracer@bellsouth.net.