Sam Hornish Jr.
Daytona 500 Pre-race Advance
News and Notes:
Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, will compete in his first Daytona 500 on February 17, 2008.
In 2007, Hornish competed in the season-opening Busch Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Hornish started in the 27th position and earned a 31st-place finish.
The three-time IndyCar Series Champion will compete for Rookie-of-the-Year honors in the Cup Series in 2008. He is one of several converted open-wheel drivers in the class and one of two Indianapolis 500 Champions vying for the title.
Hornish has a total of two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts that came at Phoenix and Homestead at the end of the 2007 season. He has a career average start of 27.5 and an average finish 33.5 in NASCAR Cup Series competition.
Hornish and wife Crystal welcomed their first child, a daughter named Addison, on February 4, 2008. Baby Addison weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and was 18 inches long.
Chassis Chatter:
PRS-503: This weekend’s racecar was last driven by Hornish Jr. when he attempted to qualify for the October race at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007.
PRS-530: The back-up car is a brand new car that was used in the recent test session at Daytona International Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr. on Daytona
"I am so excited about the Daytona 500 especially knowing that we will be in the race. With the pressure off of us in the Gatorade Duel, we can use that race to prepare for Sunday. One of the main reasons I made the switch to stock cars was to run in the Daytona 500 one day. I'm about as excited as I can be. A lot can happen out there that is beyond our control, but my main focus is to stay alert and learn all that I can. Of course, I want to win but a top-20 finish would be great."
Chris Carrier on Daytona
“Our priority and focus has been on being able to race well in both the Gatorade Duel and the Daytona 500. We have made decisions that have focused on success in race trim and drafting. The Daytona 500 is a handling race. That’s the reason race preparation is so important. We plan to draft as much as possible on Wednesday before the Duel. Tire wear will be something we will keep a close eye on as well.”
Upcoming Events
2/27/08 - Hornish will appear at the Cleveland Auto Show and sign autographs from 4-6 p.m. at the Dodge Display.
3/1/08 - Hornish will attempt his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
