With Two Important Birthdays on Sunday,
Nemechek has Eye on Performance Gifts

LONG POND, Pa. (June 6, 2006) -- U.S. Army driver Joe Nemechek doesn't need added incentives to produce on the racetrack. But if he's looking for a couple of enticements, he will have them for Sunday's Pocono 500.

The June 11 Nextel Cup race at Pocono Raceway will not only be the 01 team's celebration of the U.S. Army's 231st birthday, but it will also be the birthday of Nemechek's son -- John Hunter, who will turn 9.

And since Nemechek is like the typical male who hates to shop, his idea of a nice gift is to have a contending performance at Pocono Raceway.

"I think the Army will be satisfied with a strong performance by the 01 team," said Nemechek. "After all, if you're 231-years-old, you probably have everything you need in terms of gifts."

However, the gift for Nemechek's son is a little more complicated.

"I know John Hunter would like to see me have a good race, but I also feel he has some other presents in mind too," offered Nemechek. "I will take care of the performance gift, and my wife Andrea will take care of the other gifts. I really don't like to shop, unless it's motorsports related."

At last year's June race in Pocono, Nemechek finished third, his best result of the 2005 season. He was also in contention for a victory in Pocono's July race, but a pit road miscue and a flat tire relegated him to a 22nd-place finish.

"We have a real good baseline for Pocono," said Nemechek, who has one pole start at the 2.5-mile track. "This is one track where our Army team has consistently run strong. Last year, we were running up front at both races and the year before, we were up there again until we had gear problems. I look for a good, solid run this weekend."

For the record, the Army's official birthday is June 14, the same day that Americans will celebrate Flag Day.