News

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 11, 2008) - Fans of Penske Racing driver Sam Hornish Jr. have a unique opportunity to guarantee him a spot in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the $1 million no-holds-barred event at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday evening, May 17, 2008, by voting Hornish Jr. and the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge team into the race. Fans can vote as many times as they like at http://www.nascar.com/promos/allstar/vote/ until 7 p.m. EDT on May 17.

"To have the opportunity to race in the 2008 Sprint All-Star Race as a rookie would be incredible," said Hornish Jr., who looks to join his Penske Racing teammates - Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch - in the All-Star Race. "It's an exciting race and, with no points on the line, the best drivers in the sport put on a great show for the fans. The entire No. 77 Mobil 1 team would love to have the opportunity to be a part of this year's event. Thanks to everyone who votes for me as their fan choice on NASCAR.com."

Through the early stages of an eventful rookie NASCAR Sprint Cup season, Hornish Jr. has proven himself as a skilled and disciplined stock car racer. Now, the former three-time IndyCar Series champion and current pilot of the Penske Racing Dodge Charger is looking to compete with the best and brightest in the sport at the All-Star Race. Although the rookie from Defiance, Ohio can race his way into the million-dollar event by placing in the first two in the Sprint Showdown on May 17, Hornish Jr. fans also have the opportunity to vote him into the big race by casting their ballot online at NASCAR's official Internet home, www.NASCAR.com. The driver that receives the most votes will compete in the All-Star Race.

The All-Star Race includes race-winning drivers from the previous and current Sprint Cup Series seasons, Cup Series champions from the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the previous or current season, as well as past winners of the All-Star Race. Additionally, two drivers will qualify for the premier event by finishing first and second, respectively, after two 20-lap segments in the Sprint Showdown. Finally, one driver will once again join the All-Star Race field by winning the Fan Vote.

Hornish Jr. has earned a pair of top-20 finishes in his first 11 starts NASCAR Cup starts in 2008, including an impressive 15th place effort in his Daytona 500 debut in February. The rookie driver has also been solidly in the top 35 in points throughout the season and has been among the top contenders all season for the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year award. In addition, Hornish Jr. has also made four starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season, chalking up four top-20 finishes.

Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 298 major race wins, more than 350 poles and 21 National Championships.