Their Home Turf
October 11, 2006
Denver, CO- Furniture Row® Racing’s Cup program heads to Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend. Contingent on qualifying, driver Kenny Wallace will maneuver the #78 Chevy Monte Carlo SS though the field. The Denver based team's ongoing goal for the remainder of the season is to obtain owner's points and experience during this building year.
Last weekend's race at Talladega looked promising as the program secured an impressive 26th starting position.
However, engine failure cut the race short. Crew chief Joe Garone elaborates, “Talladega was a good weekend despite a Hedrick engine failure. The team was able to show we have strength in our super speedway cars, something we were beginning to question. Kenny felt he could have worked his way to the front of the field and been a factor for the win.”
This weekend the team tackles Lowe's Motor Speedway, near NASCAR's epicenter in Concord, N.C., just outside of Charlotte. The close proximity of the track gives the larger teams based in the area an advantage. Garone explains, “Charlotte will be a hand full with all the big teams bringing second and third back up cars. However, we feel we’ve put together a good package, and will be ready for the challenge.” The key to successful run at Lowe’s 1.5 mile track for the #78 will be based on strategy.
The team will run a small fuel cell in Saturday’s event – approximately 14 gallons compared to the regular 22 gallons. The smaller fuel cells dictates that the program must be sure of their race strategy. Garone must pay close attention to decisions regarding pit stops. Also key is having a car that’s easily adaptable to changing track conditions during the course of the event, particularly in light of the smaller fuel cell.
Finally, adjustments will make or break the #78 team. The right adjustments executed at the right time are critical. An adjustable strategy means less stress over pit-stop variables for Garone.
Although, the #78 is preparing to be a competitive presence on the track this weekend, the team is not participating in the Chase for the Cup.
This year’s Chase is shaping up as one of the best battles in the short history of the event. Currently, all top 10 drivers are still mathematically eligible to win the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship, with the top 10 separated by only 185 points.
Furniture Row® Companies is one of the largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers. The company is comprised of five specialty store brands including: Sofa Mart®, Oak Express®, Bedroom Expressions®, Denver Mattress Co®, and Big Sur Water Beds®.
