News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Phoenix International Raceway – Subway Fresh Fit 500 
April 18, 2009

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes of Interest
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, had an impressive showing two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway. After qualifying in the 12th position, Hornish ran inside the top-15 for most of the race and remained on the lead lap all afternoon. He finished the race in 17th place.
• Hornish has a total of 11 career racing starts at Phoenix International Raceway across the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and IndyCar Series. In total, Hornish has four top-10 starts with two outside pole positions at the one-mile tri-oval. He has a total of two wins at Phoenix with three top-five finishes all coming in IndyCar Series competition.
• Phoenix International Raceway is a significant track in Hornish’s racing career. The “Jewel of the Desert” is the site of his first IndyCar Series win (3/18/01), his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut (11/11/07) and his first race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (11/11/06).
• Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Saturday, April 18 from 2:15 – 2:45 p.m. MST at Phoenix International Raceway.

Sam Hornish Jr. on Phoenix International Raceway
“Phoenix International Raceway is a special place to me. I celebrated my first win in IndyCar Series competition here as well as my racing debut in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. I look forward to racing at Phoenix because it’s always an exciting race. Unlike most other race tracks, Phoenix International Raceway is completely different at both ends. The corners are not alike in any way. A lot of times you have to compromise on one end of the track to make your car do what you want it to do on the other. Basically, you have to focus all weekend on which part of the track is most critical.”

Crew Chief Travis Geisler on Phoenix International Raceway
“The Mobil 1 Dodge team is ready to get back to the track after a weekend off for the Easter holiday.  We hope to build on the momentum gained in Texas and continue to work our way up in the point standings. Phoenix is a unique one-mile race track that is a challenge because of how different the corners are. The schedule is also unique for this race, with no practice after qualifying on Friday. I am excited about heading out west with a brand new car that looks to be a very strong piece of equipment.”