Marlin Banking on Past Experience in NASCAR NEXTEL Open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 16, 2006)— Sterling Marlin knows that driving hard and taking chances is what can propel a driver from the NASCAR NEXTEL Open to the evening’s main event—the Nextel All-Star Challenge.

Two years ago Marlin proved that theory when a two-tire pit stop helped him seal the victory in the preliminary all-star event.

“We don’t view this race like any other since it’s shorter and not a points race,” said Marlin about the Nextel Open. “We can afford to try things that we wouldn’t normally chance.”

Marlin was the only leader in the 2004 field to take two tires on a final pit stop, gaining him vital track position. With one lap go, and running third, a hard-charging Marlin was able to slip by the first and second place contenders, bringing home the victory in the Nextel Open, and earning a spot in that year’s All-Star Challenge.

“It’s about taking chances,” continued Marlin, driver of the No. 14 MB2 Motorsports-owned Chevrolet. “Had we not gambled on the tire issue we wouldn’t have been in position to win. That can be a key in these events and I’m looking forward to putting my head together with Doug (Randolph-crew chief) and my team and finding ways we can help get ourselves the Open win and, in return, make it to the All-Star Challenge.”

Along with the Nextel Open winner, the 20-car field for the All-Star Challenge will consist of teams which have won a race in the past year (16), past champions of the All-Star Challenge in the last 10 years (1), past NASCAR Cup champions in the last 10 years (1) and a driver voted in by the fans.

“Unfortunately I didn’t make it to victory lane last year so I’m going to have to get in the only way I can,” said Marlin. “Hopefully between now and the end of the year we’ll be able to pocket a win or two and will be qualified for next year’s event. “But until then we’ll gamble when we need to and fight for a win in the qualifier and hope things turn out where we want them too—in Victory Lane.”