Road Racing Continues to Excite Nemechek

June 18, 2008

DENVER (June 18, 2008) -- Joe Nemechek has always had an affinity for road racing. His early liking for the road courses was due to growing up near Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, one of the most recognized road circuits in the world.

"When you were raised in Lakeland (Florida) and had a strong interest in racing, Sebring was a pretty cool place to attend a race," said Nemechek. "Having the opportunity to race at a road course has always been special. You never heard any complaints from me about road racing. It’s a nice change from the ovals.”

Nemechek, who drives the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet Impala SS, will get another opportunity to go road racing as the Sprint Cup Series makes a stop this weekend at the picturesque road course in Sonoma, Calif. -- Infineon Raceway.

Nemechek has competed 12 times at the Northern California track and has qualified inside the top 15 on six different occasions. His best finish at Infineon was 11th in 2000.

"It's so hard to believe that I haven't had a top 10 at Infineon Raceway," offered Nemechek. "I've had so many good runs out there. A couple of years ago I was running in the top five before the transmission broke. There were a couple of other times that I also had good runs spoiled with a malfunction."

"But when the car is handling well on a road course, there's nothing like it in terms of fun," added Nemechek. "It's exciting to turn both ways and maneuver through some tight turns."

Another reason why Nemechek is excited is that he feels the Denver-based team is getting a better handle in figuring out the Car of Tomorrow.

"The last three races I felt we made some big gains," noted Nemechek. "The result sheet won't show that, but we understand what's happening and we're seeing plenty of positives for this Furniture Row Racing team."

This weekend’s Cup event marks the first of two road course races this season. The other is at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, which takes place in August.

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