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Talladega: Michael McDowell preview

McDOWELL TAKES MOMENTUM TO TALLADEGA Talladega, Ala. (April 21, 2009)- Well-built cars, knowledgeable people and extraordinary driving talent are surely factors to a successful race team. However, Michael McDowell feels one important factor is ...

Published: Jun 19, 2009, 7:51 PM

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McDOWELL TAKES MOMENTUM TO TALLADEGA

Talladega, Ala. (April 21, 2009)- Well-built cars, knowledgeable people and extraordinary driving talent are surely factors to a successful race team. However, Michael McDowell feels one important factor is often left out.

"Momentum is a huge component to success. When the team's chemistry and communication all come together, great runs are the result. The JTG Daugherty guys and I are really starting to gel and I think you can see beginnings of that in the runs that we are having", said McDowell.

In the past two weeks McDowell has posted two top-15 finishes. After qualifying third at Nashville, McDowell led seven laps late in the race before slipping to 15th place on old tires. At Phoenix, a bad qualifying draw put McDowell 27th on the starting grid. As low as 33rd at one point, McDowell battled back in the closing laps to finish 11th.

Taking the momentum to Talladega is one thing. Leaving with it is another.

"Obviously I'd like to continue the strong runs, but Talladega is always wild and unpredictable. It's like playing craps in Las Vegas. You can win, you can lose, but it's all fun in the process", said McDowell.

McFacts:

- 2009: McDowell has one top-10 finish in 2009 (Vegas); Two top-15 finishes in two weeks (Nashville, Phoenix)

- Talladega Stats: 1 ARCA RE/MAX Series Start, 2007: Start- 11, Finish- 33 (accident) 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Start, 2008: Start- 24, Finish- 26

- 'Dega Infield: McDowell will tour the infamous Talladega Infield Party while handing out Tom's Snacks to fans this weekend.

McQuote:

"Talladega is a total crapshoot. No matter how good or bad of a car you take there, it never seems to matter. You simply have to stay out of trouble, keep the fenders clean and make friends all day long. With 20 laps to go you try to get yourself in a position with those friends and make a run to the front."

McCar:

The No. 47 Tom's Snacks JTG Daugherty Racing team will compete with chassis #20 in this weekend's Aaron's 312. This car was last seen at Daytona where it finished 14th.

-credit: mmcdowell.com

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