Charlotte Test Update: Lowe’s Motor Speedway hosted the fifth NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test of the season and the final test for the current car on Monday and Tuesday. Out of 52 teams present, Sorenson and the Target team posted the fifth fastest lap in the evening session (6-9 pm ET) on Monday with a lap of 29.297 sec/184.319 mph.
Sorenson’s Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) teammate David Stremme was fastest in the evening season with a lap of 28.877 sec/187.000 mph, and teammate Juan Pablo Montoya was 15th (29.457 sec/183.318 mph). Sorenson was 28th fastest in the afternoon (2-5 pm ET) on Monday with a time of 30.234 sec/178.607 mph. On Tuesday Sorenson wound up 35th on the speed chart in the afternoon session (29.866 sec/180.808 mph) and 20th (29.490 sec/183.113 mph) in the evening.
100% at Darlington: Sorenson has completed all laps of competition (808) in races run at Darlington in either the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series (best finish of 11th) or Busch Series (best finish of ninth).
South Carolina Natives: Target team members Adam Moser and Tim Smith both are natives of South Carolina. Moser, a graduate of Lenior-Rhyne College (Hickory, N.C.) hails from Fort Mill, S.C., and is the front tire carrier on the weekend and the CGRFS strength and conditioning coach during the week. Team engineer Smith hails from Cope, S.C., and is a graduate of Clemson University.
Points Update: The Target team moved up three positions to 26th after their 21st-place finish in the last event at Richmond. The team is just 27 points out of 25th and 119 out of the top 20.
Chassis: Crew chief Jimmy Elledge and the Target team have selected chassis #633 for the race at Darlington. This is the same car the team used at Bristol (43rd-place finish, radiator), but not the same chassis used at the Darlington tire test. That particular car was used in last weekend’s race at Richmond.
Be Sure to Tune In: The Dodge Avenger 500 is set to go green at 7 pm ET on Saturday. The race will air live on FOX, MRN radio and Sirius Satellite Radio channel 128 (Live, 7 pm ET).
Come Play at CGRFS on Kid’s Day: If you plan to be in the Charlotte, N.C., area the week leading up to the 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, be sure your kids don’t miss out on their day at CGRFS Wednesday, May 23. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to visit to the team’s Concord race shop to get a behind-the-scenes look at the cars before they head to the track and learn more about the mechanics of racing with a special Tech Talk session. Members of the CGRFS pit crews will demonstrate their pit stop techniques, too. Kids won’t leave empty handed either, as they will get to make memories at the photo and craft station. Snacks and beverages will also be on the house! So, bring the kids to meet the mechanics and pit crew members who make the CGRFS cars go full speed ahead and to see a side of racing they have never seen before. Space is limited, so call 1-866-888-6388 today to make your reservation. The green flag will wave promptly at 3:30 p.m. to begin the activities, so don’t be late for this fun date! To learn more and keep up to pace on this event and further team updates, go to www.chipganassiracing.com.
It’s All about our Fans: CGRFS will wave the yellow flag on Friday, May 25, and take a break from racing 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET to thank its fans for their support. The Second Annual CGRFS Fan Appreciation Day will involve a variety of activities at the team’s Concord, N.C., race shop, including pit stop demonstrations, games and prizes. A complimentary lunch will be provided by TUMS, but don’t forget to bring in your non-perishable food items to help TUMS Relief for Hunger. All donations will support Speedway Children’s Charities Second Harvest food bank. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup CGRFS drivers David Stremme, Reed Sorenson and Juan Pablo Montoya, will also be at the shop to meet fans and sign autographs from 1 to 3 p.m. ET. Wristbands will guarantee an autograph and can be picked up in person at the team’s gift shop or by calling 1.866.888.6388 to reserve one. Please note autographs are limited to one item per person per driver. To learn more and keep up to pace on this event and further team updates, go to www.chipganassiracing.com.
