Nemechek Looking to Increase Qualifying Streak as Sponsorship Search Continues

MARTINSVILLE, Va. March 26, 2009: Joe Nemechek will attempt to qualify for his fifth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup race this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The family-owned NEMCO Motorsports team, which continues to seek sponsorship for its No. 87 Toyota Camry, has only missed one race -- the season-opening Daytona 500.

"Daytona was a bummer, no doubt about that," said Nemechek. "But we didn't quit, we didn't get frustrated, we just kept plugging away and were able to qualify for the next four races."

Along with qualifying in four of the first five Cup races of 2009, Nemechek has qualified in every Nationwide Series race in his No. 87 Chevrolet. The Nationwide Series is off this weekend and will resume action next week (April 4) at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

Regarding his underfunded operation, Nemechek said, "Everyone in the business knows that we're not funded with sponsorship money, but they also know that we mean business when we show up to the racetrack. We're taking baby steps and progressing in the right direction. Though we are financially limited about what we can do during qualifying and race day, I think we have made a pretty good statement so far. "

When it comes to qualifying at the half-mile Martinsville flat track, Nemechek has had his share of success. He qualified on the pole in October 1999 and has claimed 10 top-10 starting positions.

"I've always liked Martinsville though the track can get tricky," said Nemechek. "I've had some qualifying success there in the past and I'm ready to have more success this weekend. I am really proud of everyone on this team for their work ethic and commitment."