A 15th-Place Finish at Homestead Rounds Out Reutimann’s Successful 2009 Season

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (November 22, 2009) – David Reutimann came into the weekend looking for a solid run at Homestead-Miami Speedway to cap-off his breakout 2009 season. While the team struggled with the handling of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for much of the race, Reutimann was able to pull off a respectable 15th-place finish in the Ford 400.

Starting 22nd after a disappointing qualifying run, Reutimann’s Aaron’s Dream Machine immediately flexed its muscles. Within the first 20 laps the No. 00 Toyota Camry had move up ten spots to 12th.

However, Reutimann soon radioed in to his crew chief Rodney Childers that his car was, “real loose on exit (of the turns).”

By lap 45, Reutimann was running 11th, but the problems were getting worse. “I need help with forward bite and center off,” pleaded Reutimann.

On lap 51, Childers called his driver to pit road for new tires and a handling adjustment that he hoped would correct the loose condition on the Aaron’s Dream Machine.

However, Reutimann soon reported that the car wasn’t much better than before. Luckily, a caution flag waved on lap 81, allowing the team to bring in the No. 00 for more changes. This time Childers called for both wedge and trackbar changes.

The changes initially appeared to be working, as Reutimann moved from 15th up to 11th by the time another caution came out on lap 101. Bringing in the Dream Machine for another stop, the team again made trackbar and wedge adjustments.

The third caution was brought out just a few laps later on lap 108, when teammate Marcos Ambrose brushed the wall.

Childers opted to pit again and take on four fresh tires. But with only a few laps on their tires many teams chose to only take two tires, which caused the Aaron’s Dream Machine to lose several spots.

After listening to his crew chief apologize for the loss of track position, Reutimann calmly radioed in, “That’s OK. Get me fixed up and I’ll drive back by those guys.”

Unfortunately, while he was indeed able to regain the lost track position the drive up the scoring chart was short-lived.

The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine was great at the beginning of a run, allowing Reutimann to easily pass competitors. But every time, the handling would start to go away within a dozen laps and he wasn’t able to maintain his forward march.

The team tried to make major changes to the Dream Machine on the last three pit stops, but each stop the extra time on pit road cost Reutimann more spots on the track than his car was able to make up before the handling went away.

Ultimately, Reutimann and the Aaron’s team would have a settle for 15th-place finish.

“We’re a little disappointed with the finish,” said Reutimann after the race. “The car was just off. We chased it, but were never able to get it running the way it should’ve. But I’ve got to thank my guys. They’ve done a great job all season and lately have been doing an awesome job in the pits. We’ll take a little break, then regroup and come back strong at Daytona.”

Denny Hamlin was able to score his fourth win of the season, beating out Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson. However, the celebration belonged to Johnson, who held on to the points lead with his fifth-place finish and vaulted himself into the history books with his fourth consecutive championship.

With two poles, ten top-tens, five top-fives plus the win at Charlotte, Reutimann locked up the 16th spot in the final point standings. After such a successful 2009 season, it’s time for a well-deserved break before the No. 00 Aaron’s team begins preparing for the Daytona 500 in February, David Reutimann’s 100th start in the Sprint Cup series.

Until then fans can continue to receive NASCAR news and promotions by following Aaron’s Sports on Twitter at twitter.com/AaronsSports or by becoming at fan at facebook.com/AaronsSports.

David Reutimann - Homestead-Miami Speedway Preview

Fan question of the week: Jerry from Tampa, FL asks, 'With all your success this year and great potential for MWR in 2010, do you wish the next season would start right away or are you looking forward to the break?'

"After a long season a break is welcomed by everyone that works in NASCAR. Everybody gets a chance to rest, take vacation and visit with family. But this season was great and it really shows us what we can accomplish in 2010, so I’m sure it won’t take long until I’m ready to get back to the track. I know we have the ability to do even more in 2010 than we did in 2009."

With the level of competition in NASCAR these days, how much of an off-season do you really get?

"The testing ban gives us some extra time and the holidays are usually spent with family or on vacation, but once 2010 rolls around it's time to get back to it before Daytona. There are always sponsor-related needs such as photo shoots or commercials, and media engagements to attend."

Why is Homestead a popular track among drivers?

"Well, I know why it’s one of my favorite tracks. The first reason is because it's located in my home state of Florida, which means I'll have more fans, friends and family cheering me on. Second is because I’ve had some success at the track. I've won three poles there, including my first in the Sprint Cup Series last year."

What's challenging about racing at Homestead?

"It's a unique track - it's banked in some parts and flat in others. The challenge is keeping up with the changes in the track throughout the race. We start in the afternoon and the race ends as the night begins, so the track will change and that can affect your handling if you’re not prepared."

What are your goals for this final weekend of 2009?

"Nothing would be better than putting the Aaron's Dream Machine in Victory Lane. I know Rodney (Childers) and the guys are bringing a good Aaron's Dream Machine, so I'm confident that we can run strong this weekend and end on a very high note."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann sits 16th, 207 points behind Kyle Busch in 13th place – the highest non-Chase driver.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine for this week is chassis No. 625. This Aaron's Dream Machine has seen action in four races, including the recent race at Texas, where David ran in the top ten throughout the race. Its best finish was 4th at Las Vegas.

Race Information: This weekend the Sprint Cup Series makes its final stop of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Race coverage for the Ford 400 begins at 2:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 22 on ABC.

Good Weekend for Waltrip at Phoenix Despite Being Caught Up In Wreck

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Michael Waltrip Racing had a prosperous weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. The organization announced contract extensions with Toyota and Best Western along with a multi-year partnership with Gary and Blake Bechtel that puts driver Trevor Bayne in the No. 99 Nationwide Series Toyota in 2010. The same held true for driver Michael Waltrip as his team had solid practice sessions and an 11^th-place starting spot for Sunday’s main event. His NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota was fast in the race but, a wreck on the restart on lap 119 ended the team’s chance for a top-15 finish. The two-time Daytona 500 champion was able to get back on track after repairs to finish in 36^th position.

“It was a great week for MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing),” said Waltrip. “We announced our Toyota extension and Best Western coming back to our team as a sponsor. I’m really proud of the effort our team put together, but disappointed in the end result, obviously.

“We lost power steering so we pitted twice during the caution to try and fix it. It put us midway in the pack. The guys in front of me messed up and got together. I slowed down and because I still didn’t have any power steering, I tried to turn right at the last second to miss the 96 (Erik Darnell), but I couldn’t turn. A couple guys passed me and it caused them to get in it. Ty, my spotter, said it wouldn’t have mattered if I had power steering or not. I was doomed. That’s what happens when you get caught in the back. It’s a shame, but the NAPA Toyota was strong.”

Martin Truex Jr., who will be driving the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota next season, led the field to the green flag. Waltrip was in close pursuit during the first green-flag sequence. His only complaint was the right-side tires had too much air in them. Waltrip ran comfortably in the top 15 before making his first stop for four tires and fuel on lap 70.

Not long into the next run, Waltrip lost his power steering. It was a handful, but he persevered until the first caution of the day was thrown for debris. Crew chief Gene Nead brought Waltrip in for service on laps 116 and 117. The team put on four fresh tires and added fuel. The second stop saw the crew add power steering fluid. Waltrip returned to the track in 24^th position.

The race returned to green on lap 119, but the restart was anything but clean when Brad Keselowski was hit from behind. Waltrip had nowhere to go and was collected in the mess. The NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota sustained significant damage to the front of the car and was forced to go behind the wall for repairs. The NAPA team’s hard work enabled Waltrip to refire the engine on lap 171.

For the remainder of the race, the NAPA Toyota was on track going from 39^th to a 36^th-place finish.

As for Waltrip’s teammates, David Reutimann and Marcos Ambrose, their finishes reflected the type of car Waltrip had before his accident. They finished 10^th and 11^th, respectively,

Meanwhile, points leader Jimmie Johnson rebounded from last weekend’s crash to win his third victory of the season. His lead over teammate Mark Martin is 108 points heading into the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Following Johnson to the finish line to round out the top 10 were Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jeff Gordon and David Reutimann.

Next Sunday, it’s NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It gets underway at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC, MRN and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

David Reutimann - Phoenix Preview

Fan question of the week: Billy from Florida asks, 'Last week you had to try and save gas at the end of the race, do you ever practice driving differently to save gas for situations like that?'

"You really don't practice it until it becomes time to try and save fuel. I mean, there are things you can do on the track - like peddling the throttle and just trying to slowing down. Then under caution, you can turn the car off or ride on the bottom of the track. Obviously, I'm not the greatest at it (smiling)."

Is there anything learned from the Phoenix race earlier this season that can be applied this weekend since that was a night race and this one will take place in the middle of the day?

"I think the spring race was a good measuring stick to how we can run this weekend at Phoenix in the Aaron's Dream Machine. I don't think the time of day is going to effect speed as much because of the track being a shorter, flatter track."

Phoenix is only a mile long, but wide and flat. Do you race it like a normal short-track?

"It's a little different than a normal short track because of the space it provides. You can really pass here, so it makes it easier on you when compared to other short tracks."

With the unique configuration at Phoenix, what's the key to having a fast car there?

"Since Phoenix is relatively flat, we need to get our Aaron's Dream Machine as low to the ground as possible and turning good in the corners."

What are your goals for this weekend at Phoenix?

"The goal is to win. We ran really well there in the spring, so I'm confident that we'll have a really good Aaron's Dream Machine once again."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann sits 16th, 214 points behind Kyle Busch in 13th place – the highest non-Chase driver.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine for this week is chassis No. 651. This is a brand new Aaron's Dream Machine.

Race Information: This weekend the Sprint Cup Series heads West to Phoenix International Raceway. ABC will broadcast race coverage for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 15.

David Reutimann - Texas Preview

Fan question of the week: Derek from Kutztown, PA asks, 'With Michael's final full season coming to an end and a new teammate coming on board next year, do you feel your role on the team is changing?'

"I think I may be viewed as the veteran on the squad and I believe a certain amount of leadership could come with that. Marcos has been an awesome teammate and I look forward to him being my teammate in 2010. I also think Martin (Truex Jr.) will bring over some great ideas for all our teams. Overall though, my duties will remain the same and that's to run as well as possible in the Aaron's Dream Machine."

You currently own the longest streak without a DNF in Sprint Cup racing. Can you describe why that's so important in maintaining a good points position?

"It's important because in this sport every point counts, so getting back out there can be the difference between a position in the points. Personally, I think finishing every race shows your teams ability to fight through a tough situation and we pride ourselves on that. We've had some tough races this year but the guys on the No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine have never given up. I also think it's a testament to the work that's being done back in the shop."

What's the most vital component to having a good race car at Texas?

"Handling and speed. You have to be able to handle good in the corners, so you can carry maximum speed into the straightaways."

What do you like about racing at Texas?

"First of all, it's fast. But I think what makes it such a cool track is the fact that I can move around to find a line that works the best for my Aaron's Dream Machine. Having multiple grooves improves your ability to correct handling issues while driving and makes passing easier. I like the track and I feel confident in driving it. I’ve had some success there in Sprint Cup and Nationwide races – some top-tens and a couple of poles – so I expect us to perform well there."

What are your goals for this weekend at Texas?

"We had an awesome Aaron's Dream Machine there in the spring and I really thought we had a chance to win, so it was unfortunate that we had a problem in the pits. That Aaron's Dream Machine chassis has now been retired because we won the Coca-Cola 600 with it but, I'm confident that we'll have another good Aaron's Dream Machine this weekend."

Chassis info: Reutimann will run chassis #625 this week. This Aaron's Dream Machine has seen action in three races with a best finish of 4th at Las Vegas.

Race Information: This weekend the Sprint Cup Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday for the Dickies 500 live on ABC. Race coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on November 8.