US Cargo Control Straps Trusted to Secure Professional Race Car

US Cargo Control straps can be used to tie down some pretty precious cargo, but for professional race car driver Michele Abbate they are used to secure her most prized possession – her car.

Racing has been a big part of Abbate’s life since she was a child. The Las Vegas native says she’s been following racing since she was just a kid. Her older brother started racing when he was 10-years-old, and the family always traveled with him and cheered him on.

It wasn't until she turned 16-years-old that Abbate put herself in the driver’s seat and her own racing career took off. “I was always intrigued by anything with a motor, because it was always in my life – my love was truly for wheel to wheel racing, because it was always where my passion led to,” Abbate said. Abbate got her start racing autocross with her every day car – the same car she used to get to work and the grocery store was racing in local and regional autocross events.

Her racing operation has since expanded to include a 2013 Scion FR-S race car and licenses with both the National Auto Sports Association and Sports Car Club of America. It hasn't been an easy journey. Abbate has overcome some serious roadblocks along the way.

Last year, she lost her title sponsor three days before her first race. That disappointing news forced her to become her own team owner, start a massive fundraising campaign and build her own race car.

She and her crew-chief constructed the car and now run all the maintenance and repairs themselves. “We are a two man team on a tight budget, but we are out there finishing in front of a lot of the big boys,” Abbate said. “He and I put in the blood, sweat, tears and finances to keep the team running.” So when we say the race car is valuable – we mean it.

Abbate trusts US Cargo Control to keep her car safe and secure as she travels all over the country for about ten races each year. Right now, she’s using 2’’ olive green ratchet straps with double J hooks to secure the back of her car to the trailer. She selected the color to coordinate with her car.

For the front, she uses US Cargo Control’s superior, heavy- duty BlackLine ratchet straps. She says they are the only straps she’s encountered that don’t snag, shear or rip while tied-down to the front of her car.

“We have been using our BlackLines for over six months and they still look brand new,” Abbate said. “There’s nothing better than knowing you have the right tools for the job and we are thankful to have US Cargo’s products with us.” Racing is a stressful gig and it isn't just on the track. Abbate says financing is her biggest struggle.

Last year, she launched a crowdsourcing campaign, raising more than $13,000 to fund her 2015 racing season. “At races we strive to have the best equipment, set up, and attitude; and off the track we work equally as hard to promote, expand, and advertise for all of our partners that make this possible,” Abbate said.

US Cargo Control is proud to provide products that give Abbate and her team peace of mind as she strives for greatness. To learn more about Abbate and her racing operation visit her website.