Windy City Tough on the Gecko; Mike Wailace Ready to Return Home

Player Management International Release

Joliet, IL (July 11, 2008) – The GEICO Racing team blew into the Windy City hoping to record a top finish that would help them make progress towards the Top 5 in the point standings.  Sitting 8th, Mike Wallace would need to finish up front to gain any ground.  
 
The first practice of the weekend would not offer much hope to the GEICO team, as Wallace rested 24th on the speed chart when practice concluded.  Due to heavy rain in the Chicago area, the final practice session was canceled, leaving Wallace and the Germain Racing team to guess at the set up as they headed into the meat of their race weekend.
 
Whatever the Germain Racing team learned about the #7 GEICO Camry in the only practice session of the weekend must have been beneficial because qualifying gave the GEICO team hope.  Wallace had an early draw in the 100+ degree heat, but would turn his qualifying laps in 31.145 seconds, which was good for the 17th starting position and a spot just behind Elliott Sadler.  
 
Wallace would lose ground when the green flag waved, however he would rebound quickly and find himself in the Top 15 by Lap 9. Once he entered the Top 15, it was smooth sailing and the #7 GEICO Camry would quickly move to the front of the field, reaching the 3rd position by Lap 55.  Wallace would run solidly in the Top 5 before making contact with the wall on Lap 106.  Unfortunately, the minor damage from the contact with the wall would hinder the remainder of Wallace’s evening and he would battle hard to secure a 20th place finish when the checkered flag was displayed under the Chicago night sky.  
 
Despite the less than desired result, Wallace and the Gecko still sit in the 8th position in the point standings.    
 
“The #7 GEICO Camry was great tonight and we were in position to win a race, but unfortunately I caught the wall and it severely affected the race car,” Wallace said.  “I’m looking forward to taking GEICO and Sport Clips home to St. Louis with me next week and getting them a great finish.”   
 
This week, the Germain Racing team heads to Gateway International Raceway, which is located near Mike Wallace’s hometown of St. Louis, MO.
 
Mike Wallace and the #7 GEICO Camry will hit the track at Gateway International Raceway for their opening practice session on Friday, July 18th, at 7:00 PM (ET), with the final practice session being held at 8:45 PM (ET).  Qualifying will be held on Saturday afternoon at 5:05 PM (ET).
 
The Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 is on Saturday night, July 19th, and it will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 9:00 PM (ET), while the Motor Racing Network (MRN) will carry the live radio broadcast.  
 
Visit GEICO Racing’s innovative, interactive web site at: www.geicogarage.com .  
 
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.