Nemechek Qualifies 16th for Season Finale

November 14, 2008

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2008) -- Joe Nemechek and the Furniture Row Racing team posted a solid qualifying lap Friday and will start 16th in Sunday's Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Nemechek's No. 78 Chevrolet toured the 1.5-mile track in 31.731 seconds at 170.181 miles per hour. It was the fastest run among the 12 drivers who needed to qualify on time.

"We were off in practice but as I have said many times this team never quits," stated Nemechek. "We made good adjustments before qualifying and it sure paid off. It was a solid lap with plenty of grip. We need to continue the momentum in tomorrow's practice and in Sunday's race."

The No. 78 team has qualified in 32 of 36 Cup races this season, smashing the team's previous best mark of 21 starts.

"The number of starts we've made this season compared to our first two years is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of everyone associated with Furniture Row Racing," said team president Joe Garone.

Capturing the pole for Sunday's Ford 400 was David Reutimann with a speed of 171.636 mph. It was his first career pole. Rounding out the top five in order were: Scott Speed, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick.

Sunday's race will be televised on ABC, beginning with a prerace show at 3 p.m. ET.

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