Chicagoland: Regan Smith preview

Chicagoland Another First for Smith

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 9, 2008) -- As his rookie NASCAR Sprint Cup season continues, Regan Smith will face yet another new challenge this weekend. Saturday's LifeLock.com 400 will mark the first time that the young Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver has competed in NASCAR's premier level at Chicagoland Speedway.

"I'm used to most everything being new to me at this level," Smith said. "I've raced at Chicagoland in the Nationwide Series so I know a little bit about the place. I've had fun racing there in the past. It's a fast, wide track with a number of different racing grooves.

"I think the main thing for us this weekend is to build on the success we had last week at Daytona. We had a great qualifying effort (eighth) and a pretty competitive car. We need to duplicate what we did in qualifying and take it from there.

"We're bringing a new car this weekend and we're having a good test this week at Kentucky. I like the way things are going for this team."

Smith and his No. 01 DEI/Principal Financial Group team are currently 33rd in 2008 owner points.

-credit: dei