News

Sam Hornish Jr. – No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Cup Showdown/All-Star Race
Lowe’s Motor Speedway
May 17, 2008

News and Notes
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, will compete in the Sprint Showdown on Saturday, May 17, 2008 in an effort to secure a starting position in the Sprint All-Star Race immediately thereafter. Fans may guarantee Hornish Jr. a spot in the million-dollar All-Star Race by voting at www.nascar.com/promos/allstar/vote/ until 7 p.m. EDT on May 17.
• Penske Racing has 27 All-Star Race starts with one win and four pole awards, amassing a total of three top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.
• Hornish Jr. and the No. 77 Mobil 1 team are currently 36th in the 2008 Cup Series owner points standings. The team sits   just 18 points outside of the 35th position.
• Hornish Jr. is currently second in the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings, trailing current leader Regan Smith by two points. He leads third place driver Patrick Carpentier by 32 points.

Upcoming Events
5/23:  The 2008 Penske Racing Fan Fest will be held at Penske Racing Headquarters in Mooresville, N.C.  Hornish Jr. will be on hand to sign autographs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. (EDT).

5/24-25:  Hornish Jr. will pull “double duty” once again, competing in both the Carquest Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race as well as the Coca-Cola 600 in the Cup Series.

Chassis Chatter
PRS-559: This weekend’s race car was tested by the No. 77 team at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May 2008.

PRS-563: The backup car for this weekend recently served as the backup car for the No. 77 team at Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway.

Sam Hornish Jr. on the Cup Showdown/All-Star Race
“This weekend is all about pride. There are no points on the line for the Sprint Showdown or All-Star Race and, as a driver, that makes this weekend all the more exciting. The weekend also allows us to prepare a bit more for the Coca-Cola 600 the next weekend.

“To have the opportunity to race in the 2008 Sprint All-Star Race as a rookie would be incredible. It's an exciting race and 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.”

Crew Chief Chris Carrier on the Cup Showdown/All-Star Race
“The Sprint Showdown and the All-Star Race is always a fun event for the teams. Since it’s not a points race, everyone seems a little more loose and relaxed.

“We had a disappointing race in Darlington last weekend and the All-Star weekend is the perfect opportunity for this team to have some fun and put the past behind us. We are prepared to compete, and want to race our way into the All-Star Race but the pressure will not be as high. A strong run this weekend would be the best medicine for our team after Darlington.”

2008 Rookie-of-the-Year Standings

Position Driver   Points
1.  Regan Smith  107
2.  Sam Hornish Jr.  105
3.  Patrick Carpentier   73
4.  Dario Franchitti  72
5.  Michael McDowell  56
6.  Jacques Villeneuve   1