Nemechek Qualifies in Bristol

August 22, 2008

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2008) -- Joe Nemechek will start 43rd in Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Furniture Row Racing driver extended his consecutive qualifying streak to 12 and the team has now qualified in 21 of 24 races this season. The 21 starts in a season equal a career best for the 3-year-old team.

"We didn't quite get what we wanted today, but the good news is that we're in the big dance," said Nemechek. "I am proud of this team for the fight they have. We just need to be patient tomorrow night and get our Chevy Impala SS to the front."

In Friday's qualifying session, Nemechek's No. 78 Furniture Row Chevy covered the half-mile track in 16.102 seconds at 119.165 miles per hour.

The pole winner was Carl Edwards. Rounding out the top five in order were: David Reutimann, Jeff Gordon, Regan Smith and Bill Elliott.

Saturday night's Sharpie 500 will be televised on ESPN, beginning with a prerace show at 7 p.m. ET (5 p.m. MT).

###