Daytona Beach, FL (11/01/07) - Alli Owens went to NASCAR's Oct. 15-16 fifth-annual Drive For Diversity Combine thinking it'd present her and 23 fellow attendees only with an opportunity to be introduced to NASCAR's elite teams.

"They told us we already were recognized as being among the country's up-and-coming drivers," Owens said, "It went far beyond what I had imagined."

Not only did NASCAR fete the gathering of talented African-American, Latino and female drivers, it drilled them in the ways of the media by thrusting the at-first unsuspecting drivers into situations akin to that which top NASCAR drivers regularly experience.

"It was like a test within a test," the Atlantic High grad said.

"I'd pull into the pits after running some laps and in less time than it took me to get my helmet off there were people in my face with microphones and recorders shouting questions."

"And they weren't lobbing soft questions, either, asking things like 'what do you think about car pollution?' "

The combine's members were split into two groups that alternated between classroom time and seat time on the South Boston (Va.) Speedway.

By luck of the draw, the 19-year-old -- who competed in the 2007 NASCAR Whelen All-American and USAR Late Model racing series -- was the first driver to hit the 4/10-mile oval in a NASCAR-provided Late Model racer.

"It meant I wouldn't be able to debrief anyone else about track conditions before I went out," Owens said, "But I'm kinda used to being the first in a lot of things, anyway."

Aggressive from the get-go, Owens didn't like the car's handling and soon brought it in.

"We made some adjustments and they were impressed with my ability to convey setup information," Owens said.

"I've been turning wrenches nearly my whole life and I'm glad I was ahead of the game on that part."

Looking to become one of eight drivers from the 24 on hand (out of more than 200 who applied) to get a fully funded 2008 race program, one would think Owens might wither under the glare of representatives from Roush Racing, DEI, Haas CNC and other teams.

Owens didn't flinch, keeping her race car on pace and pointed in the right direction.

NASCAR representatives, given time to grade participants' on and off-track performances, will announce the results next week.

"Not getting a ride really won't matter that much to me," Owens said, "because I came out of there with a much greater appreciation of this sport, NASCAR and, especially, its history. I've already won in that sense.

"To be able sit on the pit wall and talk with Wendell Scott Jr. about his father (one of NASCAR's earliest racers and its first African-American member) alone made it worthwhile being there."