PATIENCE PAYS OFF: Saturday night at Richmond marked Mattias Ekström’s second Sprint

Cup start, but first on an oval. He logged 297 trouble-free miles en route to a 31st-place finish

— ahead of series stars Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Greg Biffle. “I decided that I didn’t want to go out and wreck a car by doing something stupid and taking risks,” said the Swede, “so I went at my pace and built up gradually because I know that always pays off in the end. Being patient is often the key to success. I had one touch on the wall, and except for that I got into a rhythm and tried to get some experience.”

LOVE FOR LOUDON: Reed Sorenson, in July 2006, led 31 laps in his first race at New Hampshire. No wonder it’s his favorite track. “From the first time I first raced there I have loved it,” he said. “I don’t know if it is my background growing up racing (legends cars) on a lot of flat tracks, or if it is just that particular track. We race on a few flat tracks a year, but Loudon is definitely my favorite.” Sorenson’s first race in the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota came in June, when he finished 24th. His best finish in nine starts at the 1.058-mile track is sixth (June 2008).

VITAL SIGNS: The No. 83 ranks 27th in the owner standings — 47 points behind Penske

Racing’s No. 12.

Reed Ready to Roll at New Hampshire

#83 Red Bull Toyota Sprint Cup Preview