It’s About Having a Clean Race for Nemechek, No. 13 Team

JOLIET, Ill. (July 11, 2007) -- Joe Nemechek, who will pilot the No. 13 CertainTeed Chevrolet this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, has recently seen a number of solid runs take a wrong turn.

"We just can't seem to get a clean race in lately," said Nemechek. "We've had some pretty good performances but haven't been able to close the deal. We've had too many incidents that have stopped our momentum. We keep on telling ourselves the luck cycle will eventually turn in our favor."

What has happened in the last four Nextel Cup races to the No. 13 team confirms Nemechek's recent woes.

In Michigan it was pitting under green only to have a caution come out a few laps later, in Sonoma it was a couple of spins at the hairpin turn, in New Hampshire it was a tire breaking loose, and last week in Daytona, it was a late-race accident that curtailed a march to the front.

"We gave away a lot of points in those races," noted Nemechek. "I am tired of talking about the what ifs. We need to settle down, stay focused and complete the mission."

Chicagoland's 1.5-mile cookie-cutter track could be the prescription to cure Nemechek's troubles. It's the twin track to Kansas Speedway, where he won his last race in 2004. It's also a track where the veteran driver has qualified inside the top 10 in six career starts. His best Chicagoland finish was eighth in 2004.

"No question, this is my type of track," offered Nemechek. "The banking is a little different from Kansas, but there are many similarities. We need to take advantage of this opportunity with a good result on Sunday."

Entering this weekend’s race – which begins the second half of the 36-race Nextel Cup schedule – Nemechek is 33rd in points.

“The points are tight and a few good runs up front will make a big difference in the standings,” explained Nemechek.