The most notable thing you’ve learned about racing in the Nationwide Series: “Probably just the amount of commitments and other stuff involved with each race. At the Nationwide level each race is a two or three-day event. Sponsor appearances, track promotions, practice, qualifying … and then you get to the actual race.”
Being a part-time driver: “Well, it’s definitely tough to share the seat. But I’m proud of the fact that my co-driver Robert Richardson, Jr. and I have been able to keep the No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine in the top 30 in owner points. And I’m enjoying the four-race stretch I’m in right now. I feel like it helps keep me in rhythm.”
Racing at ORP: “I really like ORP. It’s a small, flat track and I think that suits my driving style. It’s a fun place to race. Plus, I feel like this place owes me something. The last time I raced here was in the USAR Pro Cup (2006). I qualified fourth and was in the top five all day until getting a penalty during a pit stop. That cost me a top five.”
Returning to a familiar place: “With NASCAR’s testing ban in place it’s kind of hard for us rookies to learn new tracks. You only get so much practice time and you spend most of that just trying to make sure the car is right. It’s nice to be coming back to some place I’ve raced before. That allows me to concentrate more on the car and less on worrying about learning the track. I don’t know, maybe that will give me an advantage on some of the other drivers this weekend.”
Goals this weekend: “We need to stay in the top 30 in owner’s points to make sure we’re locked in every weekend, so a good, solid finish would be the first goal. Of course, I always want to win, but if we can pull off a top-15 finish that would be great.
Tune in for the win: Catch all the NASCAR Nationwide Series action on Saturday beginning with qualifying on ESPN2 at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Kroger 200 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Aaron’s Sports Marketing Director – Rich Lamprey – 404-915-1683 - Richard.Lamprey@aaronrents.com
R3 Motorsports Media Relations – 704-857-6223 – r3motorsports@hotmail.com