Reed's Auto Club Speedway California Preview

Reed Sorenson doesn't remember getting his picture taken with Richard Petty when he was four-years-old. But the 23-year-old Georgian has seen the picture a number of times over the years. Sorenson now drives for Petty at Richard Petty Motorsports. Instead of asking for photos and autographs, Sorenson is now asking for advice.

Reed as a child with The King.  (Sorenson Family Photo)

After finishing ninth in the Daytona 500 last week, Sorenson and the Petty team focus on Auto Club Speedway in Fontana Calif. With no testing at the two-mile track  few in the Sprint Cup garage know what to expect when practice begins Saturday and the race on Sunday.

Sorenson On Richard Petty - “He’s been a lot of help so far. Richard’s big thing with me and all the drivers he talks with is the mental things it takes to be a winner. He’s really big on desire and how to conduct yourself both in and outside the car. I’m trying to be a sponge and take it all in.”

Sorenson On The Picture With Petty - ”That’s pretty cool isn't it. I don’t know if anyone in our sport has ever gotten to drive for someone you once posed for a picture with as a child. I’m honored. That’s something that will certainly be saved for quite a while.”

Richard Petty- “Our goal isn't just to get the 43 car back to victory lane. We’re focusing on all four cars. We’re working together with everyone. People aren’t coming to the track to see Richard Petty race. It’s about these drivers we have here now. I want the 43 to win, but I’d be happy to see the 9, 19 or 44 win as well. Reed is a good boy and he’s learning. He’ll get there. He ran real smart at Daytona.

Reed was a force to reckon with in the season opener at Daytona. (CIA Photo)

Bill Pink, Petty team’s head engine builder- “The two-mile racetrack has long straight-aways and the engine spends a lot of time in the mid-range which can put pressure on the engine. Durability is a real factor at a racetrack like California. With the wide-open throttle you try to make as much power as you can while still keeping in mind that the car has to finish the race. It’s a dry, low desert which is a plus, but one of the biggest things to remember is that when the cars are coming out of the corner they need as much power as possible because they are coming out of a hole before they hit the straight-away.” 

RACE INFO

Series:         Sprint Cup Series

Race:           Auto Club Speedwa

Distance:     500 mile

Laps:            250 laps

Race No.:    2 of 3

Venue:         Auto Club Speedwa

Location:     Fontana, Calif. .

CHASSIS INFO

Primary:       No. 267

History:        New chassis

Backup:       No. 250

History:        raced at Charlotte and                      2nd Texas

NOTES

- Charter Communications will be on both Sorenson’s and A.J. Allmendinger’s Dodges this weekend.

- Sorenson owns ninth and fifth place finishes in the last two Daytona 500s.