Dover dishes out challenges

September 25, 2006

Dover Dishes Out Challenges for Furniture Row Racing’s New Cup Team

Denver, CO- Furniture Row Racing debuted its #78 Chevy Monte Carlo at the Dover International Speedway last Sunday in the NEXTEL CUP Series. Armed with veteran driver Kenny Wallace behind the wheel, the team was anxious to take to the track. However, the new team and the new car ran into some unexpected complications along the way, which lead to a #34 place finish.

The trouble began with delays getting to NASCAR's Cup inspection line, which in turn cut into Wallace’s practice time on the track. However, Wallace, a nine-time Busch Series winner, displayed his talent and experience by qualifying for the race with little practice.

Things were flowingly smoothly during happy hour, and the race looked promising at that point. However, the challenges were not to subside.

Joe Garone, the team's manager explains issues that arose during the race. "Unfortunately the first pit stop turned out to be an extremely long stop. We were attempting to move from sharing a pit with Kenny Schrader, into a new pit stall vacated by the #95 car. This took longer than expected, causing us to race in a position several laps down. Then half-way through the race, an axle cover on the right rear hub came dislodged, and we had to stop to make repairs."

However, the team comes out of Dover with heads held high, more experienced, and aware of improvements needed before they tackle Kansas Speedway.

Additional race results include Jimmy Johnson hanging on to beat teammate Kyle Busch for the win. Johnson then credited the rookie for helping him win Sunday. The victory vaulted Johnson into the lead in the Chase for the championship.

Based in Denver, Colorado Furniture Row Racing is the NEXTEL Series newest team, formed and sponsored by Furniture Row® Companies. The company also sponsors the #78 car in the Busch Series driven by Jerry Robertson.