Reed's Michigan International Speedway Preview

Watkins Glen History:  Reed Sorenson has made five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway since 2006.  He has one top-five and two top-10 finishes at the track.  The average starting position of the No. 41 Target Dodge is 29.4 and the average finish is 21.6.  His best finish came at the track in 2006 when he crossed the line in fifth.

Watkins Glen Results:  After battling issues with handling and getting involved in a late-race incident, Sorenson finished in 31st position this past weekend at Watkins Glen.  Rain put a damper on qualifying Friday, setting the field up based on owner points.  Sorenson began the race in 30th, and despite several adjustments to improve the handling of the car, he was unable to break into the top 30.  On lap 82, he was involved in a multi-car accident, fortunately escaping without major damage.  He finished the race 31st.

In the Points:  After 22 points events this season, the No. 41 Target Dodge sits 29th in owner standings, improving one spot this week.  They are 285 points out of 25th and 446 points out of 20th.  In driver standings, Sorenson now sits 30th, 243 points away from 25th place.

Congrats Pee Wee:  Congratulations to Eric “Pee-Wee” Hoyle and his wife Amy, who became proud parents last Friday to a healthy baby boy—Cayden Eric Hoyle.  Hoyle is currently a mechanic and the catch can man on the No. 41 Target Dodge.  He has been with CGRFS since 2003.  This is the couple’s first child. 

Target Teammate:  Congratulations to Sorenson’s CGR Target teammate Scott Dixon who won his sixth Indy Racing League race this past weekend at Kentucky Speedway.  That win tied Dixon with teammate Dan Wheldon for the most IRL wins in a single season and also helped push CGR past the their own single season win record of 13. 

Olympic Connection:  At the age of 10, Reed Sorenson and his fourth grade class were invited to attend the opening Track and Field events in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.  His teacher had entered a contest and won, bringing the whole class to view the historical games.  Prior to that, Sorenson had the privilege to hold the torch as it passed through Stockbridge, Ga.

Did you know?: Reed Sorenson won his first ARCA event in just his second start at Michigan International Speedway in 2004.