Sam Hornish Jr. Starts 42nd at Daytona
July 4, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 4, 2008) – Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Charger, will start the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night in 42nd place.
Earlier this year in the season-opening Daytona 500, Hornish had an impressive weekend starting from the 19th position in his first NASCAR restrictor-plate race and ultimately capturing a 15th place finish.
During qualifying on Friday afternoon, Hornish posted a fast lap time of 49.523 seconds at a speed of 181.734 miles per hour securing the Penske Truck Rental team the 42nd starting position on Sunday.
“In practice yesterday we focused on race trim runs since we are in the top-35 in owner points,” said Hornish. “Unless you are on the pole here, where you start is not very important. You can move to the front if you have a car that can draft well. Handling is key and I think the Penske Truck Rental Dodge will have a solid run tomorrow night.”
Coverage of the Coke Zero 400 will air live on the TNT television network beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on MRN at 7:15 p.m. EDT.
Driver: Sam Hornish Jr.
Position: 42
Time: 181.734
Speed: 49.523
Pole: Paul Menard
Time: 48.409
Speed: 185.916
Penske Racing Teammates:
32. Ryan Newman
36. Kurt Busch