Nemechek's Michigan Run Stymied by Early Tire Setback

BROOKLYN, MI (Saturday, August 20, 2005) - With rain canceling qualifying for today’s Domino’s Pizza 250 at Michigan International Speedway, Joe Nemechek and his Cellular One/Sport Clips racing team started according to owner’s points in the 36th position. An early tire problem left them playing catch up throughout the race, however, and they would settle for a 25th-place finish.

After a brief rain delay, Nemechek strapped into the Cellular One/Sport Clips Chevy knowing he had a long trek to the front. His first report was that the car was handling well, but he was going to be smart and pace himself while working through traffic. By lap 10, he had made his way into the top 25, but having starting at the rear of the field, was already in danger of being lapped by the lead pack.

Just 36 laps into the race, Nemechek suddenly reported that he thought he had a tire going down. Only 10 laps away from scheduled pit stops and not wanting to risk a blowout, Nemechek brought the Cellular One/Sport Clips Chevy to pit road for four tires and fuel. Just as Nemechek headed to pit road, however, NASCAR threw the yellow flag for a crash on track. NASCAR determined that Nemechek had not yet reached the commitment line on pit road, therefore pitted too early under the caution and was relegated to the tail end of the longest line. To add insult in injury, the leaders passed him while he slowed down to pit putting him one lap down.

Settling in for an even larger hurdle than when the race began Nemechek restarted one lap down in 38th, but kept a positive attitude as he set about his challenge. With only 84 laps to go in the 125-lap event, however, his window of opportunity was small and cautions would have to fall frequently in order to make up lost ground.

Unfortunately, for Nemechek, only two cautions fell in the remaining laps and he would have to settle for a 25th-place finish. Ryan Newman, who had lapped all but 15 cars, went on to win the event.

“Our day was just an uphill climb from the time qualifying was rained out,” Nemechek said, shaking his head in disbelief. “The Cellular One/Sport Clips Chevy was running good in practice and we could have had a good run if we had a chance to do battle. But, having the tire problem in the beginning and then having to start all the way at the back – it was just too much to overcome today. We’re not giving up though. The Cellular One/Sport Clips team is sticking together and we’ll bring it in California. We know we’re capable of running up front – we just have to stay positive and not let these setbacks get us down.”

The Cellular One/Sport Clips team sits out this weekend while the Busch Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, but returns on September 3rd at California Speedway in Fontana, Ca. The California 300 gets underway at 4:35pm CT and will be televised live on NBC. MRN will carry the live radio broadcast.

About Sport Clips

The Georgetown, TX-based enterprise currently has 270 stores in 26 states. Targeting men and boys, Sport Clips operators provide high quality haircuts in a fun sports environment, complete with TV’s at every stylist’s station tuned to sports. Every Sport Clips has “guy smart” stylists who focus on providing the highest level of service to every client.

To learn more about Sport Clips or to find a location nearest you, please visit www.SportClips.com.

For More Infromation Please contact:
Beth Boecker
Phone: (512) 869-1201
Email: Beth.Boecker@SportClips.com

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