Chevy American Revolution 400 - Joe Nemechek Notes

SOLDIERS WILL INSPIRE NEMECHEK AT RICHMOND

RICHMOND, Va. (May 10, 2005) – It will be like competing on home turf for U.S. Army driver Joe Nemechek when he takes the green flag for Saturday night’s Chevy American Revolution 400. Richmond International Raceway’s proximity to Washington D.C. and to local military posts will give Nemechek a “home track” boost.

"The adrenalin pumps a little faster when I'm at Richmond," said Nemechek. "Every time we go there it seems like there's more military personnel than at any other race. I am excited about showcasing our U.S. Army team to all of the soldiers this weekend."

What also has Nemechek feeling upbeat about the Richmond race is his liking for the .75-mile oval. It was two years ago at this race that Nemechek took the checkered flag for his third career Cup victory.

Nemechek was looking to duplicate his 2003 victory last year, but as he was heading to the front of the pack, he got tangled with Jamie McMurray. Nemechek's 01 Army Chevrolet crashed into the wall, ending any hopes of another victory.

"We were taking over second place when that happened," recalled Nemechek. "That was a major bummer because we had the car to beat. But you know what, we'll have a good car for this weekend and I look to challenge for the win."

Though he has jumped from 31st to 20th in the Nextel Cup driver point standings in the last five races, Nemechek feels the 01 Army team still hasn't shown all of its cards.

"We've had some decent finishes recently, but we're still better than what those finishes have been," said Nemechek. "I like the progress we're making, but we need to put it all together to get those results we're capable of achieving."

This could be the breakthrough weekend for the Army team, with the motivating presence of military personnel expected to attend the Richmond race, coupled with Nemechek’s past successes at the track.

"I have said many times that this is the soldier’s car and they deserve to see it running up front," said Nemechek. "I take great pride in driving the Army car and it's our job to make our troops proud of the 01 Chevrolet. The potential is there to have a successful race this weekend."