Nemechek's Qualifying Streak Snapped in Phoenix

November 7, 2008

PHOENIX (Nov. 7, 2008) -- Joe Nemechek's streak of qualifying in 22 straight races was snapped as the Furniture Row Racing driver failed to make the starting field for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway.

The last time Nemechek did not qualify was at the May race at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte. He has qualified in 31of the 35 races contested this season.

"We just didn't get the job done today," said a disappointed Nemechek. "We need to regroup and put on a good show at the final race of the season in Miami next week."

The pole winner for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 was Jimmie Johnson. Rounding out the top five in order were: Jamie McMurray, David Reutimann, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Newman.

Sunday's race will be televised on ABC, beginning with a prerace show at 1 p.m. MT.

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