News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Lowe’s Motor Speedway – Showdown/All-Star Race        
May 16, 2009

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes of Interest
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, garnered much attention last year with a standout performance in the 2008 Showdown and All-Star Race. After finishing second and challenging eventual winner AJ Allmendinger for the win in the Showdown, Hornish overcame a two-lap deficit in the All-Star Race and advanced from 23rd in the running order to a seventh-place finish in the final segment of the star-studded event.
• Even though Hornish has just two Cup Series starts in points events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, he is already known to be a strong competitor at the 1.5-mile quad-oval. Last year in his rookie season, Hornish not only raced his way into the All-Star Race but also captured a 13th-place finish in the Coca-Cola 600.
• Fans can now follow Sam Hornish Jr. on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SamHornish. Hornish provides followers with a glimpse inside his everyday life while keeping fans updated on the latest news from the No. 77 team.
• Last year, Hornish raced his way into the All-Star Race with his performance in the Showdown. With the 2009 All-Star Race fan vote underway, fans can cast their ballot for Hornish online at www.nascar.com.
• Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Saturday, May 16 from 3:30 – 4 p.m. EDT at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Sam Hornish Jr. on the Showdown/All-Star Race
“What can I say…it’s the All-Star Race. The Mobil 1 team had a great run last season in the Showdown (finished second) and the All-Star Race and we are excited about our chances to race our way in to the main event again this season. Hopefully we can improve on our performance from last year.

“We’ve been really good at the 1.5-mile tracks, and at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in particular. With the new 10-lap final segment format in the All-Star Race, we are working on getting speed right out of the box and being fast on restarts. I’m excited about this weekend and this Mobil 1 team is ready to race into the main event once again this year.”

Crew Chief Travis Geisler on the Showdown/All-Star Race
“The All-Star Race marks the start of a two week home stand for the team that we are all excited about. With no points on the line this week it is all about winning. Last year, Sam and the Mobil 1 team raced their way into the All-Star Race by finishing second in the Showdown and we hope to do the same this year. Lowe’s Motor Speedway has been a good track for us and with the performance of our team lately, we should be a contender.”