Loudon II: Sam Hornish Jr preview

NNCS Notes:

* Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the No. 06 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Avenger, will attempt to make his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut at New Hampshire on Sunday in the Car of Tomorrow.

* This is Hornish's first run at the 1.058-mile oval.

* Although Hornish's 2008 plans have not been determined, the 28-year-old will attempt to qualify for no more than seven events, including each of the five remaining COT races with Roy McCauley leading the charge.

* Crew chief of the No. 06 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Avenger, Roy McCauley, will take chassis PRS-512 to this weekend's Sylvania 300. This car was last driven by Kurt Busch at Phoenix in April where it started sixth and finished 18th.

* The backup car for New Hampshire, PRS-508, was last driven by Busch earlier this year at the first New Hampshire event where Busch qualified second and finished 21st.

Hornish on New Hampshire International Speedway: "I'm excited about my first Cup race but there is definitely a lot of pressure. At this point, qualifying on Friday is our main concern. Hopefully we'll get it in. The COT cars are pretty good but they'll be even better if I make it in."

-credit: pr