Chase Miller Continues Quest for Success to Phoenix

With just seven NASCAR Nationwide Series starts to his credit, Chase Miller knows the best way for him to learn is to just get behind the wheel. And, that’s exactly what he will do at Phoenix International Raceway for Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

The developmental driver for Gillett Evernham Motorsports will pilot the No. 9 Ragu Dodge at the flat, one-mile oval. For Miller, who’s only other start this year was Nashville Superspeedway last month, every lap around every track is a turn in the right direction.

Chase Miller Quotes
On entering his second 2008 race: “The best part about this opportunity is just getting another start at another track. We’ve been testing at various tracks and I learn a lot that way, but nothing compares to actually competing. It takes you to another level than what you achieve in testing. I made a truck series start for Bobby Hamilton Racing at Phoenix in 2006, but our race was short-lived and we ended it way too early.

“Kirk (Almquist, Team Director) and Mark McArdle (Dir. of Competition) and everyone on the GEM teams have been very helpful. I can talk to Kasey (Kahne) or Elliott (Sadler) and they will answer all my questions. This team has so many talented people that I can get every answer I need. Now I just need to take all that and use it on the race track.”

On racing at Phoenix: “It’s a wide and flat track that you really have to work on how you enter the turns. That way, you can have a great exit so you can send yourself down the straights. I’m looking forward to practice so I can learn even more about Phoenix, even more so with this GEM team.”

Goals for the weekend: “Simple and same as the other starts – finish the race and put it on the hauler in one piece.”

Kirk Almquist Quotes
On having Chase back behind the wheel: “This whole team is really excited about having Chase in the car this week; he did a great job at Nashville when he last raced. He tested Richmond for us and learned a lot about how to drive the car at that type of track. He comes to the shop every day; works out with the pit crew and even drives the pit stop car for practice. He is really dedicated to this program and it shows when he gets behind the wheel of our race cars. This weekend will be another opportunity to improve and learn.

Car Info: The team will use GEM #009; rebuilt for use at short tracks. This chassis was last raced by Kasey Kahne; who took it to Victory Lane at Kansas Speedway in 2005.

TV and Radio Times: Qualifying takes place at 5 p.m. (ET) on Friday with race time soon after at 9:45 p.m. All 200 laps of action can be seen on ESPN2, which will simulcast it on ESPN360.com, and heard on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) Radio.

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