Sorenson Closes Out Season with 16th-Place Finish at Homestead

As the sun went down on the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, so too did the handling of the No. 41 Target Dodge. The sunset over Homestead-Miami Speedway appeared to severely upset the chassis, ultimately keeping Reed Sorenson and the Target team on their toes for a majority of the 268-lap competition. After overcoming a one-lap deficit to the leaders and finally putting a finger on the handling in the closing laps, Sorenson and crew were able to bring home a solid finish in the season finale. Additionally they gained one position to complete the year 24th in the overall series standings.

“It was a pretty tough night for a while there,” said Sorenson at the completion of the event. “I know Jimmy (Elledge, crew chief) and all of the guys thought I was crazy out there, but the car made a complete 180 in the handling department after some changes that we thought would help. I think it mostly had to do with the sun setting and the track cooling off.

“Nevertheless, the guys stayed after it and we ended up getting a solid finish to close out the season. Of course we would’ve liked to finish better, but we can head into the off season knowing we have a strong team and good race cars. It’s been an up-and -down season for us, but I’m proud of this team and the entire Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates organization. I’m looking forward to a little break but at the same time I’m ready to get back after it. I foresee really good things for this team in the future.”

After starting 11th Sorenson slipped back in the opening laps, battling a car that was primarily tight in the center of the corner, but loose on corner exit because he had the wheel turned so much. When the first caution flag flew on lap seven, Sorenson pitted for tires, fuel and air pressure adjustments, and returned to competition in 20th.

Once racing resumed, Sorenson was able to gain a few positions but radioed in that the car was still too tight in the center of the corner. He added that the Target Dodge was good entering, but it lacked overall grip after he picked up the throttle. He pitted again during the third caution on lap 44 for tires, fuel and a wedge adjustment. A loose lug nut forced Sorenson to return to pit road to serve a penalty and as a result he would take the next green flag on lap 49 in 39th.

Sorenson feverishly began picking his way back up through the field. As the race progressed under green, the handling of the Target Dodge seemed to come around. He raced up to 27th before stopping under green on lap 107. After the cycle of stops, Sorenson found himself running in 30th and on lap down to the leaders.

The fourth caution of the day came out on lap 115, and since the Target team needed to position itself to get back on the lead lap, Elledge commanded Sorenson to stay out to maintain track position in front of the leaders who pitted. He did so and therefore took the next green flag on lap 118 at the tail end of the lead lap. Although the leader eventually passed Sorenson after the restart, he was able to position himself as the first car one lap down and in position to get the “Lucky Dog” pass when the next caution flag flew on lap 160.

With new life Sorenson pitted for tires, fuel and the addition of two spring rubbers to the rear of the car to help it turn better in the corner. The chassis adjustment made the car extremely loose entering the corners after the restart on lap 165. Slightly frustrated, Sorenson, Elledge and the crew continued to work on the car with each passing pit stop and eventually they got a handle on it after a stop on lap 206. Sorenson radioed in that the car was much better and he was able to