News

FORT WORTH, Texas (October 31, 2008) – Justin Allgaier, driver of the Penske Racing No. 12 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, captured the 13th place starting position for the running of the O’Reilly Challenge on Saturday, November 1, 2008.

Allgaier, the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion, will be making his second Nationwide Series start for Penske Racing in the No. 12 Dodge this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Allgaier has one previous start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on the 1.5-mile race track, where he secured a 27th place finish.

In qualifying late Friday afternoon, Allgaier posted a time of 29.272 seconds at a speed of 184.477 miles per hour solidly securing the No. 12 Mobil 1 team in Saturday’s 200 lap, 300-mile Nationwide Series race.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to be here, especially in the Mobil 1 Dodge Charger and being able to get our second start in a row,” Allgaier said. “I ran the first lap a little less so I could feel it out and on the second I still gave up a little (speed) on both ends because I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn but the car was great.  I have to thank Matt Gimbel and all the guys on this No.12 Penske Racing team for giving me a great car. I’m glad the jitters are gone and we can go one and focus on the race tomorrow.”

Broadcast coverage of the O’Reilly Challenge is slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 1, 2008 on ESPN 2.  MRN Radio coverage begins at 3:15pm ET.

Driver:              Justin Allgaier
Position:           13th
Time:                29.272
Speed:             184.477                                                      

Pole:               Carl Edwards 
Time:               28.708
Speed:            188.101