News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Phoenix International Raceway – Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500
November 15, 2009

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes of Interest
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, considers Phoenix International Raceway to be a special track in his racing career. The “Jewel of the Desert” is the site of Hornish’s first IndyCar Series win (3/18/01), his NASCAR Cup Series debut (11/11/07), his first race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (11/11/06) and his first Cup Series top-10 finish (4/18/09).
• Hornish has four top-15 finishes, including three top-10 results, this season in short-track competition. Hornish earned his first top-10 finish of the year with a ninth-place effort at Phoenix International Raceway and he has two top-10 finishes at Richmond International Raceway.
• Fans can now follow Sam Hornish Jr. on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SamHornish. Fans can get a glimpse inside his everyday life while keeping up-to-date on the latest news for the No. 77 team.

Sam Hornish Jr. on Phoenix International Raceway
“There is something special about Phoenix International Raceway because it is a track where I have experienced many of my firsts in racing. I would’ve never thought that my first top-10 in Cup Series competition would come on a short track, but the April race was very special to me and the entire No. 77 team.

“Racing at Phoenix International Raceway is always exciting for drivers and fans alike. Unlike most other race tracks, Phoenix is completely different at both ends. 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 end. Basically, you have to focus all weekend on which part of the track is the fastest.”

Crew Chief Travis Geisler on Phoenix International Raceway
“This weekend’s race at Phoenix International Raceway is a really good opportunity for the Mobil 1 Dodge to get back on track. We have had some very good runs on short tracks this season, including the first race at Phoenix earlier this year. It is a challenge to balance the car at the one-mile oval because of the difference in the corners. Turns 1 and 2 are tighter with more banking than turns 3 and 4, which are more flat, sweeping corners.”