News

FT. WORTH, Texas (November 6, 2009) – Justin Allgaier, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger for Penske Racing, will start Saturday’s 300-mile event at the Texas Motor Speedway from the 17th spot. 

During the two Friday morning practice sessions, Allgaier and the No.12 Verizon Wireless Dodge team worked to fine tune their machine for the 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series event.  In both practices, the team labored trying to dial the car for tomorrow’s race.  The team worked feverishly making changes to the chassis trying to find the right combination.  By the end of “happy hour” practice session, the crew felt like they had a strong car and was looking forward to Saturday’s 300-mile event.

The Verizon Wireless Dodge went out eighth to make its qualifying attempt under almost perfect conditions on Friday evening. The 23-year old Illinois native ran a time of 29.960 seconds which put him on the inside of the ninth row for start of the O'Reilly Challenge at the Great American Speedway.  This is Allgaier’s third career NASCAR Nationwide Series start in the Lonestar state.

“Our Verizon Wireless Dodge was just too tight,” said Allgaier after his two laps of qualifying.  “We were not sure what the track was going to do.  We practiced early this morning.  Since then, the NASCAR Cup Series cars have been on the track and laid down a lot of rubber.  I am confident our car will race really well tomorrow.  [Crew chief] Chad [Walter] and all the guys on the Verizon Wireless Dodge do a great job each and every week getting these cars dialed.  I am confident we will have a strong run tomorrow.”

The O'Reilly Challenge can be seen live on Saturday, November 7 on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 12 p.m. ET. The event can also be heard live on PRN Radio as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 128.

Driver:  Justin Allgaier
Position: 17th
Time: 29.960 Seconds
Speed: 180.240 MPH

Pole:#16-Matt Kenseth