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Homecoming Queen: Long Returns to 5 Flags for Regular Season Finale

Editor's Note: Portions of this story originally appeared in the Sept. 28 edition of the Pensacola (FL) News Journal.

By Chuck Corder

After posting one of your best finishes of your rookie season, some drivers would balk at the idea of taking a week off.

But Johanna Long isn’t just another driver. And, technically, the 20-year-old local hotshoe and 2010 Snowball Derby champion isn’t kicking her feet up this weekend.

While she won’t be behind the wheel of her No. 70 Chevrolet for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Dover, Del., Long will have driving responsibilities.

As she did earlier this year, Long will drive the No. 11 of Tommy Rollins for the final Allen Turner Pro Late Model Series 100 of the year Friday at Five Flags Speedway.

“It’s good to be home,� said Long, whose last appearance came in June. “I haven’t been to Five Flags in months. It seems like it’s been a long time. We’re going to run Tommy’s car again in the Snowflake, so this is just a test.

“We want to come out here and have fun.�

Long’s arrival at the famed half-mile asphalt oval highlights a long-awaited and much-anticipated Whataburger Night of Champions where track titles will be doled out for the PLMs, Modifieds, Sportsmen and Bombers.

Friday's program was originally scheduled for Sept. 28, a unique Saturday date, before Mother Nature had her way and postponed the hype.

The gates open at 4 p.m. Friday and admission to the grandstands is as follows: $15 Adults; $14 Seniors; $12 Military/Students (12-17); $5 Children (6-11); Under 6 is Free. Passes to get into the pits are $25.
“The worst thing is sitting out, especially when you have momentum,� Long acknowledged. “You always want to try and keep your momentum up on the Nationwide Series or whatever circuit you’re driving. At least I get to have some seat time at Five Flags.�

She has had some serious quality seat time of late.

Long sat on the pole for a long time in Richmond, Va., earlier this month before qualifying eighth. Then, she ran in the top five for much of the race before a blown right front tire relegated her to 32nd.

Instead of dwelling on the misfortune, Long came back last week in Kentucky to finish 12th. That finish matched her besting outing of the season in July at Daytona.

“I’m learning so much about these cars and how to drive them,� said Long, who has three races left in her rookie season — Kansas (Oct. 20), Texas (Nov. 3) and Homestead (Nov. 17).

“This year flew by so fast. My confidence hasn’t been this high in a long time. And now I look up and we only have three races left.�

Her star has never been this high, gaining national exposure from some of media’s biggest powers.

ESPN recently profiled Long for its female-centric affiliate espw.com. And on the day she sat on the pole in Richmond, SirisuXM Satellite Radio conducted a lengthy interview during its pre-race ceremonies.

“I just go to the racetrack and give 110 percent,� Long said. “My job is to compete and, hopefully, all the sponsorships and other stuff will come with it. I’ve definitely come a long way. I was shy at first, but now I’ve started to open up.�

This Friday night, her guard will be completely down.

Back home in front of family, friends and those fans that love her unconditionally, Johanna can just be herself and look to continue her momentum streak.

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