Dave Blaney
No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
Event/Date: Aaron’s 499 – May 1, 2005
Venue: Talladega Superspeedway – Talladega, Ala.
NOTES:
This Week’s Race Car at Talladega Superspeedway … Dave Blaney will pilot chassis No. 131 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) stable. This is the same car Blaney raced in the Gatorade Duel at Daytona until he was sidelined early in the event as a result of a multi-car incident.
Teammate(s) testing … Blaney’s RCR teammates Kerry Earnhardt and Brandon Miller tested at Talladega on April 18-19.
Make it four for RCR … Kerry Earnhardt will attempt to qualify for the Aaron’s 499 in the No. 33 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, making it four entries for RCR this weekend.
That’s a Wrap … Blaney and Richard Childress participated in a commercial shoot at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this week highlighting Jack Daniel’s ongoing responsibility message – “Pace Yourself. Drink Responsibly.”
Meet the Driver … Blaney will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience outside Talladega’s front straightaway, directly adjacent to souvenir row Saturday, April 30 from 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Meet the Owner … Team owner Richard Childress will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience Sunday, May 1 from 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Meet the Driver Part II … Blaney will sign autographs at the Jack Daniel’s souvenir trailer Saturday, April 30 directly following the NASCAR Busch Series race.
Up to Speed … The Aaron’s 499 will be televised live Sunday, May 1 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on FOX and be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and XM Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the ninth of 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events will air live on Speed Friday, April 29 at 4 p.m. EDT and will also be broadcast live on MRN and XM Satellite Radio.
DAVE BLANEY QUOTES:
After a rough last couple of weeks, what is your outlook heading into Talladega this weekend?
“I think we’ll be in good shape. The motor guys have made some pretty big gains. I know Kerry (Earnhardt) and Brandon (Miller) had a good test down there a couple weeks ago. We know all the cars will race well, but we hope to qualify better than we’ve been. It’s going to be a long day of biding your time like it always is – you just hope you survive until the end.”
Does qualifying really mean that much at restrictor plate races?
“If you qualify well, it just reinforces that your motor is good and your body is good. You just know you’ve got better stuff. You don’t have to rely as much on other cars pushing you or your car having to suck up off of other cars if your stuff runs a little better. Qualifying is usually a good indication of who has the best car. Not many guys qualify last and go straight to the front.”
What’s the big difference between Talladega and Daytona?
“Handling is a pretty big part of the equation. At Daytona you have to handle good off the corners. Talladega isn’t really that way. It’s just pure speed and drafting. The track is big enough, spread out enough and there’s enough grip that handling doesn’t really come into play. It’s all about drafting partners and having some speed.”
Do you feel pretty good about your teammates on superspeedways?
“For sure. Kevin (Harvick) is in the hunt every time there’s a restrictor plate race and Jeff (Burton) is a darn good restrictor plate racer. Kerry showed what he’s made of last year at Talladega, too. Our stuff ran good at Daytona. All four cars should run good. Teammates can make you or break you at restrictor plate races.”
