Checker Auto Parts 500 - Joe Nemechek Notes

PHOENIX TREND IS IN NEMECHEK’S FAVOR

PHOENIX (Nov. 8, 2005) -- Racing is not any different than other forms of big business. You want the numbers to be trending in the right direction.

For Joe Nemechek, his personal numbers are indeed spiraling in a positive way with regards to his career performances at Phoenix International Raceway, site of Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race – the Checkers Auto Parts 500.

In his first 10 races at Phoenix, Nemechek's average finish at the one-mile oval was 25.2. In his last two races at the desert track, Nemechek has enjoyed a 11.0 finishing average with final results of 12th last November and 10th in April.

"We're getting better - that's the good sign -- but we're still not quite there," said Nemechek. "Phoenix is a type of track that should be good for us and our finishes should be better. I like the facility, the team likes it and our cars seem to like it."

Nemechek, who will be driving the No. 01 CENTRIX Financial Chevrolet this weekend with the U.S. Army as an associate sponsor, says the Phoenix venue resembles some of his favorite tracks on the Nextel Cup circuit.

"Phoenix is a combination of Richmond and New Hampshire -- two tracks where I have won," noted Nemechek. "I always look forward to the Phoenix race -- there's something about the track and facility that gets the adrenalin flowing a little more."

Nemechek's heartbeat will be a pace or two quicker in the final two races of the season due to his position in the standings. He is currently 15th and is within reach of having his career-best season finish.

"There's plenty of quality racers who aren't in the Chase battling for positions right now," said Nemechek, whose best season finish was 15th in 2000. "We're 15th right now and have a shot of bettering that in the last two races. The standings are real tight and that’s why it’s important to have two more good weeks of racing."

After Phoenix, the circuit heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the 2005 finale (Nov. 20).

"It's Phoenix, Miami and Thanksgiving," said Nemechek. "It seems like we were just in Daytona testing for the 500. I can't believe the season is this close to being over."