News

SAM HORNISH JR.
No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger
Darlington Raceway – Showtime Southern 500
May 8, 2010

Mobil 1 Team News and Notes
• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, has just three NASCAR career starts at Darlington Raceway. In total, he has earned one top-five start and one top-15 finish at Darlington. Hornish has a completed 763 out of 883 total laps (86.4 %) at the historic South Carolina venue.
• Mobil 1 crew chief Travis Geisler offers fans a glimpse into car setup for each racetrack on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit at washingtonpost.com. Geisler reports that at Darlington, a loose race car is better and all drivers flirt with the “Lady in Black.” Learn more at http://bit.ly/cHlmIW.
• Dale Lackey, driver of the Mobil 1 transporter, will take part in Darlington’s sixth annual Hauler Parade on Thursday, May 6. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. ET with the parade scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT from the Florence Civic Center. The parade then winds along US Highway 52 to downtown Darlington. A festival will follow on the Public Square with food and souvenir vendors, a car show, racing simulators and a fireworks display. For more information, contact the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce at (843) 393-2641.
• In 65 Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway, Penske Racing has a total of two wins – both coming in 1975 with legendary driver Bobby Allison. The organization also has two pole positions, 17 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes at the 1.366-mile oval.
• 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.
• Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Saturday, May 8 from 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. EDT at Darlington Raceway.

Sam Hornish Jr. Quote
What are your thoughts for this weekend’s race at Darlington Raceway?
 “Although the statistics don’t reflect it, I really like Darlington Raceway and look forward to racing there each year. It’s a challenging track and a tough race for sure. The outside line is preferred and you have to drive within inches of the wall. You have to prepare yourself mentally to brush the wall, or get a Darlington stripe, without losing your focus or much speed. You have to be alert and on the edge for the entire race. It’s definitely a driver’s racetrack and a fan favorite.”
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Crew Chief Travis Geisler Quote
What are the challenges facing teams this weekend at Darlington Raceway?
“The Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington is one of the toughest races of the season. The track is still very fast from the recent repaving and the preferred line is still inches from the wall. One concern going into the weekend will be the new spoiler design. Typically, most cars rub the wall at some point and cause minor damage. The new spoiler extends to the outside edge of the right side so it will likely be bent severely if contact with the wall is made, and this will cause a major loss in downforce.  With all of this to consider, it is one of my favorite tracks on the circuit and I am sure that the fans will see some great racing Saturday night.”