Player Management International Media Release
Contact: Doug Barnette
Dover, DE (September 22, 2007) – Mike Wallace and the #7 GEICO Chevrolet re-visited Dover International Speedway this weekend looking to redeem themselves following a Spring race in Dover that ended with Wallace being knocked out of the race by a car that was a lap down. Just 90-miles from GEICO’s corporate office, Wallace and the Phoenix Racing team were looking to run up front and get a good finish in the Gecko’s backyard.
When the practice sessions concluded on Friday, Wallace and the Gecko would sit 20th and 16th respectively on the speed charts. Wallace was happy with the car and informed crew chief Gere Kennon that he felt the car would race well.
Unfortunately, it would not qualify well, as Wallace would tour the 1-mile oval in 24.225 seconds, at a rate of speed of 148.607, relegating him to the 32nd starting spot. He would start just behind nephew, Steven Wallace, and just ahead of Nextel Cup star, Matt Kenseth.
When the green flag waved at the Monster Mile, Wallace would waste little time moving the #7 GEICO Chevrolet forward, as he would find himself in the Top 20 in just 15 laps. His day would continue to get better, as the #7 GEICO Chevrolet would soon find itself at the front of the field where Wallace would lead 10 laps and run consistently in the Top 5. Wallace would ultimately fall victim to old tires, but was still able to record a 13th place finish in the RoadLoans.com 200.
With only 6 races remaining in the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series season, Wallace and the Gecko currently sit 10th in the point standings, just 30 points behind Stephen Leicht in the 9th position.
“We were very competitive today and the Phoenix Racing team did a good job of keeping the #7 GEICO Chevrolet up front,” Wallace said. “We were able to lead 10 laps and run up front and get good exposure for GEICO, Sport Clips and Smith Transport and that is what this sport is about. We’re excited to get to Kansas and pick up ground in the point standings and keep moving up.”
This week, The Phoenix Racing team will pack up the #7 GEICO Chevrolet and head to Kansas City, KS, for the Yellow Transportation 300 on Saturday, September 29, 2007.
Wallace and the #7 GEICO Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS will hit the track at Kansas Speedway for their first practice on Friday, September 28th, at 2:15 PM (ET), with final practice at 5:45 PM (ET). Qualifying is set for Saturday, September 29th, at 11:05 AM (ET).
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, the Yellow Transportation 300 NASCAR Busch Series race will be televised live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 3:00 PM (ET) and green flag action coming at 3:30 PM (ET). Motor Racing Network (MRN) will carry the live radio broadcast.
To learn more about the GEICO Racing program, please visit: www.GEICOracing7.com.
To learn more about the Sport Clips Racing program, please visit: www.SportClips.com.