Rain Cancels Qualifying, Hornish Starts 32nd at Martinsville
March 27, 2009
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 27, 2009) – Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, will start the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway in the 32nd position on Sunday after today’s qualifying session was cancelled due to rain.
Luckily, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was able to complete a full practice session at Martinsville Speedway on Friday before the arrival of inclement weather. Hornish posted a fast lap time of 20.029 seconds at a speed of 94.543 miles per hour placing him 35th overall in practice.
With the cancellation of qualifying, the field was set by 2009 owner points per the NASCAR rule book. Currently 32nd in the standings, the No. 77 team will line up in the 32nd starting position on Sunday.
“I’m definitely disappointed that we were not able to qualify today,” said Hornish. ”I believe the Mobil 1 Dodge would have qualified well this afternoon and track position is very important here in Martinsville. We spent a good portion of today’s practice session in race trim since rain is going to be a factor this weekend. We will have the Mobil 1 Dodge ready to race on Sunday.”
Coverage of the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 will air live on the FOX television network on Sunday, March 29 beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on MRN at 1:15 p.m. EDT.
Driver: Sam Hornish Jr.
Position: 32
Pole: Jeff Gordon
Penske Racing Teammates:
2. Kurt Busch
22. David Stremme