Thursday, July 30, 2009

David Reutimann - Pennsylvania 500 Preview


Confidence heading into Pocono:
"I have confidence that we should run well this weekend. We ran in the top ten at Pocono all day long a couple of months ago and Rodney made a great call, which helped us grab three or four more spots. So, it's a combination in having confidence in the Aaron's Dream Machine and my team to make awesome calls throughout the day."

Mindset of a driver at a track like Pocono where fuel mileage is often an issue:

"You always know which tracks are more prone to becoming fuel mileage races but your plan stays the same, so basically you just run your race. Eventually, if it comes down to fuel mileage, Rodney will let me know and we'll do the best we can. I don't focus on that, I put trust in Rodney and the other Aaron's team members to figure out when we should pit and how much fuel it will take to cross the checkered flag."

Whether you think about the other guys "on the bubble" during the race:

"I'm definitely racing the other guys each week because their usually the ones up front, so I kind of have to. I try not to worry about it though and just focus on each spot ahead of me during the race."

In the past an 8th place finish at Indy would have been cause for a huge celebration. But now, while you acknowledged it as a good overall day you don't seem content with top-ten finishes. Describe the change in perspective from last year:

"Well, a top-ten is good but you don't get remembered for top-tens - you get remembered for wins and championships. I know we're capable of running up front each weekend, so even though we can smile about a solid top-ten we aim for something better."

Goals for this weekend at Pocono:

We made small gains last week at Indy, so we look to do the same this weekend. Another solid top-ten puts the pressure on the others around me and you never know – if a few other guys have bad luck and we're right there."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann is currently in 13th, 68 points behind 12th place.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Pocono Raceway is chassis No. 628 - this chassis has competed in five races in 2009 and has recorded three top-tens, including a 3rd here at Pocono and a 4th at Loudon in June.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action on Sunday, August 2 in the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Race coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

David Reutimann - Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Preview


Fifteen years later after the first race, why it’s still special to run at Indy:

"It's definitely special. It has so much history in all forms of racing, so for any driver it's an honor just to compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, let alone win. I don't think I can accurately describe what it would mean to kiss the bricks at Indy - I guess one word, tremendous."

Whether there should be any concern about tire issues:

"I was involved in one of Goodyear's tire tests at Indy and I feel confident that they have figured those problems out. There are always numerous issues that could make or break a good day and having a tire blow out is definitely on that list, so I'm sure based on last year’s issues that tires will continue to be a hot topic this weekend. Still, my main focus will be getting the most out of my Aaron's Dream Machine and finishing the day at the front."

The challenge of Indy:

"The track itself is unique and has one of the longest straight-aways on the circuit, which means we need plenty of Toyota horsepower under the hood of the Aaron's Dream Machine. Fast straight-aways put an extra emphasis on handling in the corners, making sure you get off those corners with high speeds will be important."

Goals for this weekend at Indy:

"We need a good finish this weekend at Indy in the Aaron's Dream Machine. The pressure is on if we want to contend during the Chase, which means avoiding the bad luck that has affected us the past few weeks. I know the Aaron's team is capable of getting back in the top 12 and we're very close - each top-five finish will get us closer to that goal."

2009 NSCS Points Standings:
David Reutimann is currently in 14th, 76 points behind 12th place.

Chassis Information:
The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Indianapolis Motor Speedway is chassis No. 637. The team recently tested this same car at the Goodyear tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action on Sunday, July 26 in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Race coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

David Reutimann Fast Facts - Chicago



What it means for MWR to sign Martin Truex Jr.:
"Having Martin (Truex Jr.) join the MWR organization in 2010 is going to be an excellent addition - he's a great driver and demonstrated winner. Having a driver of his caliber come to our organization shows that people in the garage are taking notice and we’re becoming a team that drivers would consider as part of their future."

Whether racing under the lights is any different for a driver:
"Not really. I'm a racer, so it really doesn't matter to me whether it's day or night - I'm one of those guys that would race at any time because it's what I love to do."

Describe the racing at Chicago:
"Chicago's a fast, fun track. I got one of my first starts there in 2003 and won a Nationwide Pole there last year driving the No. 99 Aaron's Dream Machine. It’s a mile and a half D-shaped tri-oval that is surprisingly different from most others that we compete on. It has 18 degrees of banking in the corners, so it's important to get your car handling good in the corners to improve your speed down the straightaways."

Goals for this weekend at Chicagoland:
"We need to bounce back from the unfortunate luck that we had a Daytona last Saturday night. The Aaron's team is still in a great position to get in the top 12 and a solid finish this weekend at Chicagoland will go a long way in making up ground on those guys in front of us."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann is currently in 14th, 74 points behind 12th place.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Chicagoland Speedway is chassis No. 638. This is another brand new Aaron's Dream Machine making its debut at Chicago.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action on Saturday, July 11 in the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Race coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

David Reutimann Fast Facts - Daytona


Differences in racing at Daytona in July versus February:

"I think the biggest difference is the weather and how it affects the track. It will be hot this weekend and that means the track temp will be higher. At Daytona your car already moves around a lot because of the worn surface, so the higher track temperature will result in slipper surface. This means handling will be crucial for the Aaron's Dream Machine."

Getting caught up in The Big One:

"We'd prefer to run around all night and stay out of trouble but at Daytona I've learned that the big one can happen at any time, no matter where you're running. All you can do is race to the best of your ability and hope that everyone is patient - if this happens then I'm confident we can come away with a solid finish in the Aaron's Dream Machine."

Double-file restarts at a restrictor plate race like Daytona:

"I expect fireworks - and not like those you'll pop with your family. Honestly, I think it's going to make things really exciting for the fans, because you immediately have two rows of lead lap cars together drafting. Also, I have a feeling there will be numerous lead changes. Just imagine if there's a green, white, checkered - it'll be exciting for sure."

Goals for this weekend at Daytona:

"Stay out of trouble, bring the Aaron's Dream Machine home with the fenders intact and try my best to avoid the big one. It's hard to point race at a place like Daytona but a solid top-five/ten finish would go a long way in getting us back in the chase.

"I consider Daytona my home track. I've been coming over here for years, so it's a very special place to me. Any win is special but none would compare to winning at Daytona."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann is currently in 14th, 12 points behind 12th and only 17 points behind 10th place Matt Kenseth.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Daytona International Speedway is chassis No. 631. This is a brand new Aaron's Dream Machine making its debut at Daytona.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action on Saturday, July 4 in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Race coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.