News

AVONDALE, Ariz. (November 13, 2009) - Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, will start the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway from the 12th spot on Sunday.

Hornish topped the speed charts during Friday’s practice session running a fast-lap time of 26.889 seconds at a speed of 133.884 miles per hour. The 24th competitor to make a qualifying attempt, Hornish posted a fast-lap time of 26.881 seconds at a speed of 133.924 miles per hour capturing the 12th starting position for the No. 77 team.

“I got everything out of the Mobil 1 Dodge that I could today,” said Hornish. “The car was really good in practice earlier and we didn’t make many changes before qualifying. We were just too tight in the center of the turns. I’m really proud of the guys on the Mobil 1 team and hopefully we will have another strong run in Phoenix this Sunday.”

Coverage of the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway will air live on the ABC television network on Sunday, November 15 beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST and will also be broadcast live on MRN Radio.

Driver:   Sam Hornish Jr.
Position:  12
Time:  26.881 
Speed:    133.924

Pole:   Martin Truex Jr. 
Time:    26.643
Speed:    135.120

Penske Racing Teammates:
2. Kurt Busch
26. Brad Keselowski