REUTIMANN FINISHES 25TH AT WATKINS GLEN

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 10, 2009) – David Reutimann arrived in Watkins Glen 121 points out of 12th place in the points standings and in need of a solid finish to keep from falling too far behind with only a handful of races before the cutoff for the Chase. While Monday’s “Heluva Good! at The Glen” might not have gone as well as he hoped, Reutimann’s 25th-place finish was enough to keep him within striking distance of the top 12 in points.

To prepare for the second road course on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup schedule David Reutimann spent a lot of time training with road-course specialists and teammates Patrick Carpentier and Marcos Ambrose. “The more practice you get the better prepared you become,” said Reutimann. “Basically, each additional lap I make at a road course the more I learn about how I should drive these tracks.”

Starting 25th, Reutimann struggled with a loose Aaron’s Dream Machine, but crew chief Rodney Childers and the Aaron’s crew went to work on Reutimann’s first pit stop on lap 17. The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine got four new tires and an air pressure adjustment to help the handling.

When the second caution came out on lap 23 Childers opted to keep his driver on the track. Knowing that passing is difficult at Watkins Glen, this pit strategy would work in their favor, pushing Reutimann up to 16th.

On lap 63, NASCAR threw a red flag, stopping the race action to clean up the debris from a horrific accident involving Sam Hornish, Jeff Gordon, and Jeff Burton. When the race restarted Reutimann was in 17th.

During the late stages of the race Reutimann fell back into the 29th position after getting a bump from the No. 08 of Boris Said, but was able to battle back to finish 25th.

“It’s a little disappointing,” said Reutimann. “I was hoping to gain some ground on the Chase contenders and it looked like that might happen, but we did the best with the car we had at the end. We’ll regroup and I know Rodney and the guys will give me a great Aaron’s Dream Machine for Michigan next week.”

After Monday’s 25th-place finish, Reutimann maintained his 16th position in the driver’s points. With four races left before the Chase, he’s only 155 points behind 12th place Matt Kenseth.

Tony Stewart held off Reutimann’s teammate Marcos Ambrose to pick up the win. Rounding out the top five were Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle.

Next week the Sprint Cup series returns to Michigan International Speedway for the Carfax 400 on Sunday, August 16. ESPN will provide television coverage beginning at 1 p.m.

David Reutimann Races a Fan

Who: David Reutimann, driver of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota and No. 99 Lowes Foods Toyota Camry Michael Waltrip Racing entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series

What: David Reutimann to race a NASCAR fan in a grocery store shopping spree at a Lowes Foods store. Grocery bags will be placed throughout the store and whoever finds the most in a specified amount of time will win the competition.

This is an opportunity for media to cover/shoot the shopping cart race between Reutimann and a fan and to also conduct one-on-one interviews with him following the shopping competition.

When: Tuesday,August 11, 2009, 12 p.m. ET

Where: Lowes Foods #225, 11124 Renaissance Drive, Davidson, NC 28036

David Reutimann Watkins Glen - Fast Facts

Feelings on road courses and whether they should be part of the Sprint Cup season or the Chase:

"I'm not saying I dislike road courses - it's just a type of race track that I haven't learned to excel at yet. I grew up racing dirt cars on short tracks, so turning left and right has been something new that I'm trying to master. With that said, I believe having every type of track makes a driver complete, but for my sake I hope they leave them out of the Chase."

Differences between Watkins Glen and the other road course on the circuit, Sonoma:

"First of all, almost all of the turns are different than those at Sonoma. Sonoma has slow turns - where as the Glen has faster corners. These variations in the corners mean you have to shift and pedal the throttle totally different than you do at Sonoma."

What you learned from the earlier road course race at Sonoma that may help you at Watkins Glen:

"It's like in other sports - the more practice you get the better prepared you become. Basically, each additional lap I make at a road course the more I learn about how your must drive these type of tacks."

Goals for this weekend at Watkins Glen:

"What happen last weekend was unfortunate and hurt our chances of making the chase. Still, the Aaron's team is focused on making up as many points as possible before the cut off point. If I can keep the Aaron's Dream Machine on the track and stay out of trouble then I'm confident we can come away with a solid finish."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: David Reutimann is currently in 16th, 121 points behind 12th place.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Watkins Glen is chassis No. 617. This is the same Aaron's Dream Machine that ran at Sonoma and finished 12th at Bristol.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, August 9. Race coverage for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen begins at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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.

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.

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.

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.