Matt Kenseth
Richmond International Raceway
.75-mile oval located in Richmond, Va.
NNCS: Chevy Rock & Roll 400
FAST FACTS
Matt Kenseth regains the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points lead for the first time since the circuit left Phoenix back in April. This marks the third week of 2006 in which Kenseth has led the standings.
Richmond International Raceway is one of 10 NEXTEL Cup tracks (including North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham) that Kenseth has scored a Cup victory.
Kenseth's average starting position in 2006 is 14.6; 2.4 positions better than his previous single-season best of 17.0 (2005) and 6.5 positions better than his career average of 21.1.
Kenseth's average finish in 2006 is 9.5; .7 positions better than his single-season best of 10.2 from his 2003 championship season.
Comparing Kenseth: At this point last season, Kenseth had finally cracked the top 10, but was still in danger of getting ousted in the final race before the Chase.
Rank Points Dif. 1st Dif. 10th Wins Top 5s Top 10s
2005 9th 2939 -631 +10 1 5 10
2006 1st 3638 - +459 4 13 15
Matt Kenseth - NNCS Advance
Team: No. 17 DEWALT Ford Fusion
Crew Chief: Robbie Reiser
Chassis: RK-164 Last ran Martinsville in April; finished 24th
Wrecked with seven laps to go while running sixth
Ran Richmond, fall '05; finished second
RK-150 Tested earlier in '06 at Vegas
Kenseth on racing at Richmond International Raceway:
"We were going to be pretty good the last time we were at Richmond. Unfortunately, we had some brake issues, which I think, we have since fixed. The last time there a brake rotor broke and punctured the oil pan. That pretty much ended our day. We've been fortunate for the most part this season and haven't had too much bad luck. We're carrying a ton of momentum now and with the Chase starting next week, we want to do everything in our power to keep that going. Robbie and the guys have done a great job preparing these cars each week and the pit crew has continued to be great all year. We're going to treat this week the same as every week before and hopefully go out and have a shot to win."
Crew Chief Robbie Reiser on racing at Richmond International Raceway:
"The car we're bringing ran here last fall and we did pretty good. It hasn't run since Martinsville earlier this year. We were going to have a good showing there, but we had some brake issues that cost us a good finish and messed the car up pretty bad. We think we've got the brake issues resolved now and hopefully if this car is good this weekend, we'll use it some during the Chase. I can't say enough about how focused these guys, from the body shop, to the mechanics, to the pit crew, have been all year and even as the Chase nears, we're keeping it business as usual this weekend. Hopefully, the results will stay consistent with what they have been all year."
