Top-15 Finish for the Target Team at Phoenix International Raceway

Results (start) Phoenix International Raceway

1. (10) Kasey Kahne, No. 4 Toyota

15.  (26) Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Chevrolet

17.  (6) Jamie McMurray, No. 1 McDonald’s Chevrolet

 

AVONDALE, Az. (November 13, 2011)– Phoenix International Raceway recently went through a major overhaul since teams raced out there earlier this year. The new track configuration presented some problems early on but the Target team worked throughout the weekend on getting the handling adjusted and overcame a brake problem to finish out the day in the 15^thposition.

 

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series came into Phoenix with only two races remaining on the 2011 schedule. The Target team unloaded Friday and spent all day practicing and adjusting the No. 42 Chevrolet to the new track configuration. Saturday teams headed in to qualify and Montoya ran the 26^thquickest time.

 

After a brief rain shower Sunday morning, the sun finally came though allowing the race to get underway on time. Montoya radioed in some handling concerns early on and the team quickly went to work to change things around. It didn’t take long, as Montoya was the fastest car out on the track by lap 77. An untimely caution just past halfway of the race slowed the momentum as the No. 42 team was a lap down due to a green flag pit stop just a few laps before. The Target team rebounded and quickly got back on the lead lap and was making a final charge before a brake issue halted the run to the front. When the checkered flag waved, the Target Chevrolet was credited with the 15^thposition.

 

“We had a really good car,” Montoya remarked. “The Target guys did a great job with the adjustments and I thought we were going to break into the top-10 until my brakes went out on me. It’s a shame but still a good run.”

 

NOTES

- Montoya has two poles, two top-five and eight top-10 finishes this season

- Montoya has the highest number of laps run this season out of any driver with 10341 including all 12 of the Chase contenders

- Montoya has no DNF’s in 2011

 

One race remains in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Montoya’s first career NSCS race was at Homestead-Miami Speedway five years ago. The Ford 400 is this Sunday, November 20, at 3:00 pm ET and will air on ESPN and radio stations affiliated with MRN.

 

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