Melissa Fifield driver of the number 17 Allison Legacy car has had a roller coaster ride to start the 2011 race season. After getting turned by a fellow driver during the season opener ay Lee Speedway, the 17 car had to settle for last place. But there is no where to go but forward and that’s just what Melissa did last weekend as she took the checkered flag at Waterford Speedbowl, getting her first career win in the Allison Legacy Series.

RPM. How was the race track?
Melissa. It was a nice day at Waterford Speedbowl. The track had good grip which created fast lap times. Earlier in the day we said a prayer asking for a good finish after coming off of a crash last week.

RPM. Go through the last 5 laps?
Melissa. With five laps to go I was in 5th place. With four to go I moved into 2nd and the next lap I moved into 1st, with a comfortable margin. At the same time the white flag flew the caution flag flew. I thought I was all set to take the checkered flag because I took the white flag but the track decided to go with a green-white-checkered. At the restart everyone drove hard into turn one I booted it out of the second corner and continued to expand my lead. When I took the white flag again all I could think about was God don’t let me crash. As I came out of turn four I looked up to see the checkered flags waving.

RPM. What was it like to get your first win in the Allison Series?
Melissa. It was an amazing moment I’ll never forget. As soon as I took the checkered flag I came on the radio and screamed “Wahoo”! It feels great to finally have the first off my back. I’m still smiling.

RPM. Did you go out and celebrate after your win at Waterford?
Melissa. The following day I went out for ice cream to celebrate.

RPM. A good rebound this week from last weeks finish at Lee Speedway.
Melissa. It felt good to get a great finish after finishing last at Lee Speedway.

RPM. Are you all set Monadnock Speedway in 2 weeks?
Melissa. We have to make some changes to the set up.
During the week off I am doing a couple of appearances with the car.
With the two weeks off I get to enjoy being the winner!