Nemechek Looking to Overcome Loss of Laps for Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 2007) -- Though he had a successful test session at Lowe's Motor Speedway earlier in the month, Joe Nemechek feels he's entering this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 minus the most critical test of all for NASCAR's longest race.

That critical test was having the opportunity to make laps in last weekend's all-star races at the 1.5-mile oval, located near Charlotte.

"When you have a new engine (R07) and a Goodyear tire we haven't run this year, you want to make as many laps as possible under race conditions," said Nemechek, who will drive the No. 13 Haier Chevrolet in the 600. "Unfortunately we were not able to take full advantage of last week's situation. We got wrecked on the first lap of the (Nextel) Open."

The first-lap melee in the Nextel Open collected seven cars, including Nemechek's Chevy. The No. 13 car was not repairable and Nemechek left the track without completing one lap in the competition.

"That accident was unfortunate -- we would have liked to collect some data for this weekend's race," said crew chief Peter Sospenzo. "We'll have a new car for the 600, it's the same Chevy we tested with at Lowe's a few weeks ago."

Both Sospenzo and Nemechek know the 600 demands patience and perseverance.

It was two years ago at this race that Nemechek's day appeared to be in trouble when he fell a lap down after starting 38th. But when the 400-lap mark was in sight, Nemechek was in the lead and heading to victory. Unfortunately, his march to Victory Lane was stymied with eight laps remaining when he ran over debris and cut his right rear tire. Nemechek went from first to 18th as quickly as he could say, "I have a tire going down."

"The 600 is a cerebral race -- pit strategy could make a huge difference," said Nemechek. "I think you're going to see a lot of two-tire stops and fuel mileage could be a major factor in the end. Because this race is so long you have to tell yourself that you're never out of it."

"Hopefully this will be our weekend," added Nemechek, who has claimed three top 10s and two top fives in his last five point races at Lowe's. "I am looking for good things with our Haier Chevy."