Video: First Win At Wall Stadium For Woman Race Car Driver

For the first time in its 63-year history, a woman driver took the checkered flag in a modified car race at Wall Stadium on Saturday, race officials said. 

Shawna Ingraham, 20, of Brick, held off Howell driver Jimmy Blewett in the final 26 laps of the feature race to make Wall Stadium history. Before Saturday’s defeat, Blewett had been undefeated this season, track officials said.

“I’m speechless,” Ingraham said in a release from the Route 34 track. “This car was the best it has ever been tonight. When I saw Jimmy (Blewett) on the restarts I knew that I had to stay in from of him. If he got by me I would never get him back. I have to thank my family, the Barney family, our crew and especially my grandfather for this. It is a dream come true.”

Ingraham started in the third spot and got out front quickly and was able to stay ahead of Blewett, who came from to take the second spot in by lap 14 of the 40-lap race, officials said.