Melissa's first win in 2001 was a big night for the family she says, "they were all so excited like I was, it was great." The dark blue car with the red lettering crossed the start/finish line ahead of her competitors in the six-car six-lap consi, something that not all rookies experience in their first year of racing.

     "I've had a lot of help from my Dad," says Melissa. "He's the Late Model Tech at the track. He's been great in helping me buy the car and set it up. He's taught me about motors, how they work and what they can and can't do." Another supportive member of Melissa's cheering squad has been her mom. Bunny Long also works at the track in the ticket office. "My Mom and Dad have really helped me alot since I started racing", says Long, who lives in Alcona, just a few minutes from Sunset Speedway.