News

Sam Hornish Jr. – No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
Pocono Raceway
August 3, 2008

News and Notes
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, had a successful return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend in his NASCAR debut at the famed oval. After starting from the 38th position, Hornish complete the caution-filled event in 21st place.
• This will be Hornish’s second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. In the June race at the 2.5-mile tri-oval, Hornish finished the 500-mile race in 41st place.
• Hornish and the No. 77 Mobil 1 team remain 34th in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner point standings following the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Hornish is currently in second place in the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings. He trails leader Regan Smith by a four points and leads third place driver Patrick Carpentier by seven points.
• Hornish and the No. 12 Penske Truck Rental Nationwide Series team are preparing their return to the series next weekend at Watkins Glen International for the Zippo 200.

Upcoming Events
8/9/08: Hornish is slated to return to Nationwide Series competition at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 9, 2008 in the No. 12 Penske Truck Rental Dodge for the Zippo 200.

Chassis Chatter
PRS-559: The primary car for this weekend was raced earlier this season in the All-Star Race  held at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he raced his way into the marquee event, capturing a 7th place finish.
PRS-562: The backup car for this weekend was raced at Phoenix and Dover earlier this season.

Sam Hornish Jr. on Pocono Raceway
“I’m looking forward to returning to Pocono Raceway and improving on our performance in the June race. This season we have faced challenges at tracks with flat surfaces and we know this an area where we can improve our program.

“Last weekend at Indy we had a good run on a flat surface, finishing just outside of the top-20. Even though the race was unusual with cautions every ten laps or so, I felt we had a good car and were capable of a much better finish under regular circumstances. Our run at Indy will hopefully build our confidence as we return to Pocono Raceway.”

Crew Chief Chris Carrier on Pocono Raceway
“The first race at Pocono Raceway this season was a challenge for our team. Overall, it was a rough weekend. Since then we have worked to improve on flat tracks like Pocono and had a good finish last weekend at Indy.

“We’re looking forward to a marked improvement for the Mobil 1 team this time around at Pocono Raceway. It is a unique track in that none of the three corners are the same. You have to figure out which turn the car is strongest in and realize that you may have to give a little in the other turns to be your best overall.”

2008 Rookie-of-the-Year Standings
Position    Driver                 Points
1.            Regan Smith          173
2.            Sam Hornish Jr.      169
3.            Patrick Carpentier   162
4.            Michael McDowell    135
5.            Dario Franchitti         97