Reed Sorenson

The Watkins Glen weekend was a busy one with moments of highs and lows for 19-year-old Reed Sorenson. Things kicked off early Friday morning as he revealed his 2006 racing plans. In addition to a full schedule in the Busch Series with Discount Tire Co. he will also run full-time in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Re-teaming up with former ASA sponsor Target Sorenson will hop into the No. 41 Dodge.

Focusing on the season that is and his current third place points run entering the road course Watkins Glen International, Sorenson strapped into the No. 41 Home123 Dodge following a recent test on the 2.45-mile track.

Crew chief Brian Pattie and Sorenson were unfortunately left looking for more after separate off-track excursions hindered their day. But they entered the first practice session positive things would improve - and as expected things did. After the first run they ended up 11th on the speed charts.

“We tested and had a little trouble. This place is different then Mexico. During practice we picked up some at the end. I‘m not a road course guy but I’m looking forward to the race,” Sorenson said, looking ahead to only his second road course race of the year.

The second practice session was eliminated on Friday after a rain shower ruined the remainder of the afternoon.

Qualifying and racing were both pegged for Saturday at The Glen. 53 cars entered to attempt to make a run at the Zippo 200 field. After the lengthy qualifying session the Discount Tire Co. team found their Home123-sponsored Dodge settled into the 26th spot.

Set for a 2:10 PM start time, the race was delayed a bit after rain crept into the area. The track was dried, driver introductions took place and a heavy rain set in delaying things for over an hour.

The track wasn’t ready for full course racing just yet due to lingering wet spots on the track. The field was given the green and the yellow flag forcing Sorenson to simply follow the leader in the Home123 Dodge.

NASCAR finally waved the green flag 18 laps deep. One lap later crew chief Brian Pattie called his driver down pitroad. The strategy call’s purpose was to run the 82-lap event in only two stops.

Under the third yellow flag of the day on lap 32 Sorenson was relentlessly making up ground in the 17th spot.

Where I’m at right now I lose time when I take this right-hander. I’m faster everywhere else,” he radioed to Pattie under the yellow.

Minutes later the fourth yellow fell on lap 37 leaving the Sorenson/Pattie duo time to discuss their strategy.

“70% of the field is on the same strategy we are. I’m thinking we’re going to stick with that,” Pattie said.

“Yeah, I think it will work out well,” agreed Sorenson.

Clearly, the Home123 Dodge was stronger than what the qualifying position showed and with pit strategy equal to most of their competitors, the 41 crew was ready for a strong and thrilling finish.

Unfortunately, the next yellow that fell on lap 42 was due to the Sorenson machine as it slowed from the 16th position on track with a billow of smoke in its path.

“We had a motor go down on us there. The motors have been good all year so I can’t complain. It happens, it’s part of it,” Sorenson said.

“I was having a good time. We were holding on out there. It’s pretty tough to pass. I was being pretty cautious, not taking any chances. We’ll be okay. We’re going back to some tracks we feel pretty strong at so I feel good going into it.”

Next week the Discount Tire Co. team will bounce back at the Michigan International Speedway. In 2004 Sorenson claimed the win in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. He also recently tested the two-mile oval. Both Sorenson and crew chief Pattie agreed that the test went, “Pretty good.”