USG Sheetrock 400 - Stuart Kirby Notes

Marathon Race Preview: Chicago

(Mooresville, NC) The 24-year-old rookie Stuart Kirby continues his inaugural season for the Marathon race team at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend. This is his second race of twelve for the number 51 Marathon Chevy in 2005.

Kirby has qualified very well here in the past. Last year in the ARCA/ReMax Series he qualified on the pole. 'We want to have a solid qualifying attempt here and redeem ourselves from Detroit's effort a couple weeks ago. We have a good car for this weekend and looking forward to a great race," said Kirby.

The Marathon race team's first hurdle is getting in the race. With the new 2005 rules, it makes it difficult for the newcomers with not as many points to get in the race. "Being top 35 is golden. With our team starting so late, it is going to be difficult this year. It sure would be nice to be in the top 35," team owner Joe Auer said. With 12 good cars vying for only 7 spaces, it makes it tough. The second thing is the need to qualify up in the field. Passing in Chicago is not the easiest thing to do, but confident Kirby says, "if we're good, no problem."

Race Notes:
USG Sheetrock 400
Chicagoland Speedway / Joliet, Ill.
1.5 mile tri-oval / 160 laps / 400 miles
Sunday, July 10, 2005
TV: NBC, 3:30 p.m. ET start (live coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET)
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), XM Radio.
Bud Pole Qualifying: Speed Channel / Friday, 4 p.m. ET.
2004 Winner: Tony Stewart