News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Atlanta Motor Speedway – Pep Boys Auto 500     
September 6, 2009

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes of Interest
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, is ready to return to intermediate-track racing this weekend for the first night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In total this season, Hornish has earned three top-20 results on intermediate tracks with one victory coming in the Sprint Showdown non point-earning event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May.
• Hornish has three Sprint Cup Series starts and one Nationwide Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In addition, he has one IndyCar Series start at the 1.54-mile quad-oval. In total, Hornish has produced two top-10 starts at Atlanta to go along with one top-five and two top-15 finishes.
• 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 for the No. 77 team.
• Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Sunday, September 6 from 3:30 – 4 p.m. EDT at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Sam Hornish Jr. on Atlanta Motor Speedway
“Atlanta Motor Speedway is a fast track that produces some exciting racing for drivers and fans alike. The track surface will cause the tires fall off during the race and the cars will lose speed. Even though you want to race hard when you have new tires, you have to be patient and race at a different pace in an effort to save your tires and be better at the end of long runs.

“I really like racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway because it is a fast track with multiple lines. You can race anywhere from the white line to the wall, which allows you to find a place to pass. You will see drivers running a variety of lines all night. This is the first night race at Atlanta and I am sure that it will be an exciting show under the lights for everyone.”

Crew Chief Travis Geisler on Atlanta Motor Speedway
“Atlanta Motor Speedway is a great race track with a lot of character. Many tracks have been repaved in recent years, but Atlanta is left as one of the few tracks that still has a lot of fall off during the run and provides many different lines for the drivers to search around during the race. 

“We have struggled a little in the past at Atlanta but I think the Mobil 1 Dodge team has improved a lot since the first race at the track this year. I am excited to get back there and prove how far we have come.  We have three top-10 finishes with the car we are taking this weekend. Hopefully, we can make that four after the first night race in Atlanta.”