News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Lowe’s Motor Speedway – Coca-Cola 600
May 24, 2009

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes of Interest
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, captured his first NASCAR win in the Sprint Showdown last Saturday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Hornish qualified eighth for the 40-lap event, took the lead on lap 25 and remained in front until he took the checkered flag. Hornish immediately advanced to the All-Star Race, where he finished in 16th place.
• Hornish has two Cup Series starts in points-paying events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a best finish of 13th in last year’s Coca-Cola 600. A strong competitor at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, Hornish is particularly comfortable at intermediate tracks. In total, he has 13 Cup Series starts at intermediate venues with one top-15 and three top-20 finishes, along with five top-20 starts.
• Fans can now follow Hornish 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.
• Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. EDT.

Sam Hornish Jr. on Lowe’s Motor Speedway
“I love racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. It is by far one of my favorite tracks. Having the chance to compete in the All-Star Race gave me an additional 100 laps of practice for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600. I also earned my first NASCAR trophy by winning the Sprint Showdown and it was such a thrill for me and the entire Mobil 1 team.

“I’m so happy with the progress we are making as team. We’ve had some really good runs lately and it is due to everyone’s hard work and dedication. I’ve been saying for a while that good things were coming, that all the pieces were falling into place. I’m excited to get back to Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend for the Coca-Cola 600. We all hope to have another strong run in the Mobil 1 Dodge. It’s the longest race of the year at 400 laps, so patience will be key as well as just taking care of yourself physically so that we can be there in the end.”

Crew Chief Travis Geisler on Lowe’s Motor Speedway
“After winning the Showdown last week everyone on the Mobil 1 Dodge is excited to get back to Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The most challenging part of the longest race of the season is the start time at 5:45 p.m. It is important to build adjustability into the car with things like spring rubbers which can be added to handle the changing track conditions.  Racing in Charlotte always brings out the best in our team and the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 makes the race that much more special.”