As we all know his career took a different path and led him to NASCAR

Preparing mentally for me, is really just about getting focused and putting all else out of thought. Most people are surprised by the difference in my state of mind and the intensity of my focus when Im at the races compared to my everyday upbeat, spunky personality. RT: Who were some of your racing idols when you started up SM: You just reminded me of a t-shirt I used to have that was signed by Tony Stewart when I was about 13. And it made me think that I need to find that! (I havent seen it in quite some time!) Tony Stewart has always been the driver Ive looked up to and wanted to take after. For many reasons: The raw talent that he has and the fact that he can and will win in anything he drives is so admirable to me. The fact that he raced his way to the top and is a true racer at heart puts him down as number one in my book. RT: One of your nicknames is "Ms. Excitement." Sounds like to me that you're the hard charging, aggressive type driver.

Some drivers, no matter what they drive are just edgier than others and it is easily recognizable and more "exciting" for someone watching in the stands. RT: What kind of driver would you say you are: the kind who's content with a solid finish after a day of adversity or the one who's disappointed to finish second after leading the most laps in an event SM: My competitive spirit wont allow me to be content with anything but a win. RT: Your path up the motorsports ladder reminds me a bit of some fellow named Jeff Gordon. Are your eyes set on NASCAR stock cars or with moving further up the open wheel ranks SM: Its really interesting that you mention JG. My dads interest actually came after he started watching USACs Thursday Night Thunder when Jeffs career was budding and he was sweeping all the races in USAC My dad has been a Jeff Gordon fan ever since. Another interesting fact that I never knew is that Jeff always wanted to race IndyCars. As we all know, his career took a different path and led him to NASCAR.

So, I would have to say that as a driver, I have an open mind and am set on a winning career at any of the top levels of racing. Coincidentally, Ive met some very incredible people who have introduced me to Jeff, John Bickford, and the people at the Jeff Gordon Foundation. I've had a number of very promising discussions with the staff at JGF and I hope to be able to establish a relationship with JGF under which I can help make even more race fans aware of what Jeff and his foundation are doing. RT: Free Association time, Shannon. Hope you're ready for it! Here goes...tell me the first thing that comes to your mind with the following: The fast lane SM: NASCAR 98 that I had on the old PlayStation. It played the instrumentals of Life in the Fast Lane by The Eagles! (laughter) RT: Recession SM: A non-funded racers worst nightmare RT: USAC SM: LOVE RT: Rivalries SM: Hamlin and Keselowski RT: Favorite music SM: Depends on the mood. Anything upbeat, catchy and motivating, lots of Indie-Rock, Pop-Rock, and Acoustic RT: Patience. SM: Something I dont do well with and am constantly trying to improve on RT: Family SM: The backbone of my racing career and values. Without them, Id be nowhere. RT: If you could race at any circuit in any world class racing vehicle, which facility and car would it be SM: Growing up, I always said it was my dream to race at Eldora Speedway, which consequently is now owned by my racing idol, Tony Stewart! Id love to race a USAC Midget at Eldora.

So as much as possible, Im at the gym and when I dont have time, I get withdrawal symptoms. Seriously! I am also a huge coffee lover and love the coffee-shop atmosphere and love relaxing or doing work at Starbucks Oh, and what girl doesnt love shopping!. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Top U.S. banking executives could see their bonuses curtailed while troubled homeowners could count on getting more direct government aid when Congress authorizes new financial rescue funds, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee said on Wednesday.