NASCAR Cup

Sears Point: Regan Smith race report

Smith Shows Improvement Despite Disappointing Finish in Sonoma Cup Race SONOMA, Calif. (June 24, 2007) -- The final result sheet will show that Regan Smith finished 30th in his maiden Nextel Cup road race. But what the statistics won't show is how ...

Edited: Jun 26, 2007, 6:08 AM

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Smith Shows Improvement Despite Disappointing Finish in Sonoma Cup Race

SONOMA, Calif. (June 24, 2007) -- The final result sheet will show that Regan Smith finished 30th in his maiden Nextel Cup road race. But what the statistics won't show is how the rookie U.S. Army driver improved during the second half of Sunday's event at Infineon Raceway.

"We're all disappointed walking out of here with the finish we had," said crew chief Ryan Pemberton. "But we also feel that we made some positive gains late in the race that will definitely be included in our notebook for the next road race."

Smith started 26th, but fell back early due to a tight-handling car. The 01 Army crew made a number of adjustments to free the handling and it finally came together following a pit stop on Lap 58 of 110.

"I just couldn't get our Chevrolet to handle the way I wanted," said Smith. "It was a struggle out there but I started to feel comfortable past the half-way mark. Unfortunately we were too far behind to pick up track position."

"I'm disappointed right now and it will take a little time to get over this," added Smith. "But there were positives and that's what I will eventually be focusing on."

The race was Smith's fourth career Cup event -- all in the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet. He is sharing the 01 ride this season with veteran Mark Martin. Smith will also compete in next week's Cup race at New Hampshire International Speedway. He will also drive in the next Cup road race -- Aug. 12 in Watkins Glen, N.Y.

The 01 Ginn Racing team dropped three spots in owner points and is currently ranked eighth.

-credit: gr

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