Nextel Cup Deemed A Success

November 13, 2005

Robertson's First NEXTEL CUP Race Deemed a Success

Denver, CO- Busch Series driver Jerry Robertson achieved a lifetime career goal last weekend. Robertson found himself behind the wheel in his first NASCAR NEXTEL CUP Series race. Backed by Furniture Row Racing, Robertson was eager to compete with the best of the best in the Checker Auto Parts 500 at the Phoenix International Raceway.

Qualifying went well, and the #78 Chevy Monte Carlo was able to snag the last qualifying position in the race. Robertson elaborates on the situation, "We didn't get much practice in so, being able to get into the race on our first attempt was really exciting."

Unfortunately, team Furniture Row's race ended when the car experienced engine trouble from a broken valve spring in lap 51. Despite the engine issues, the overall race effort was deemed a success by the program.

Crew Chief Joe Garone explains, "It was a successful weekend for the team in regards to making our first CUP race with Jerry as the driver. Our race was never able to develop due to a part failure in the engine. Jerry showed he had the metal it takes to weather the pressure of qualifying in the top stock car series in the world, and would have had a good finish if able to continue."

It was a great day for driver Kyle Busch. Busch outlasted Greg Biffle on Sunday for the win at the Checker Auto Parts 500. Tony Stewart was fourth and leads the Chase for the Cup by 52 points.

Robertson and Furniture Row Racing return to the Busch Series this weekend to run the last race of the season at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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