The good news is the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series was able to get to the halfway point of the Pocono 500 before rain showers and darkness forced officials to call the event after 106 of a scheduled 200 laps. Unfortunately, Reed Sorenson and the Target team could have used the entire race to overcome starting from the rear of the field after a motor change prior to the green flag. Sorenson relinquished his 22nd-place qualifying position, but was able to race from the rear up to 24th before taking the checkered flag at the 2.5-mile triangular-shaped track.
The start of the race was postponed due to rain showers that moved into the area. The field eventually took the green flag at approximately 4 p.m. ET. During the opening laps Sorenson experienced a primarily tight condition exiting Turn 3, which is the most important corner of the three. It’s imperative that the car get through Turn 3 with a lot of speed in order to carry the momentum down the long front stretch. Crew chief Jimmy Elledge called for track bar and air pressure adjustments during the first stop to remedy the problem. He went slightly too far as the car was loose during the next run. On the next stop he reversed the changes by half the amount, and from then on the car was fairly stable for young Sorenson. Varying pit strategies ultimately decided the winner of the race, but Sorenson and the Target team put forth a solid effort and are eager to return to Pocono on August 5.
The Target team remained 25th in the overall NEXTEL Cup Series ranks at the completion of the Pocono 500. The team sits 88 points out of 20th position and 342 out of 12th – the final transfer position for the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup.
There were four cautions for a total of 10 laps. The Target team pitted four times, once under green flag conditions and one stop was for two tires only. The time of race was 1 hrs. 57 mins. and 15 secs.
Sorenson and the No. 41 Target team head to Michigan International Speedway next for the Citizens Bank 400 on June 17. The race is set to go green at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT, MRN radio and Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 128.
CGRFS Driver Quoteboard
REED SORENSON: “We had a really good car here today and all weekend. I hate that we had to give up our starting position because of the motor change because track position is very important here. The field gets strung out pretty quick and it’s hard to gain positions after that happens. We definitely had a top 15 car today, if not better. I’m really happy with how the car performed and I’m looking forward to coming back. Hopefully we’ll get the full race in next time.”
