Richmond: Regan Smith preview

Smith Looks to Continue Momentum at Richmond

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 29, 2008) -- After earning rookie-of-the-race honors in Sunday's event at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Regan Smith hopes to have another strong run Saturday at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.

Smith finished 22nd last weekend at NASCAR's largest venue (2.66 miles) but as the series heads to Richmond, one of the circuit's smallest tracks (0.75 miles), he is unfazed by the transition.

"At the end of the day, the goal is always the same -- try to put yourself in a position to win the race," Smith said. "It will be nice to not have to worry about the big multi-car pileup that can happen at Talladega, but you still need to try and keep your nose clean and be there at the finish.

"Richmond is a great track," continued Smith. "Even though it's a small track, it's wide so there's plenty of room to pass. It's got a number of grooves on it, too, so you can run pretty much anywhere you need to."

Smith and his team will be unveiling a new sponsor for the 400-lap event -- Steak-umm, the best known sandwich steak brand in the country. The company is using a special Steak-umm paint scheme on the No. 01 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet to promote their burgers.

"I want to thank Steak-umm for joining us this weekend," said Smith. "I'm making an appearance for them on Thursday and it's always cool to meet a bunch of NASCAR fans. Hopefully, we'll be able to have a good run in the Steak-umm Chevrolet Saturday night. That would be a great way to thank the company for sponsoring our car."

-credit: dei