While the pressure to qualify intensifies with each passing week in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Joe Nemechek‘s formula to avoid a temporary anxiety attack is to simply focus on the positives.
“No doubt, the anguish we sometimes go through during the week is unpleasant,” offered Nemechek. “But I have learned it’s a lot healthier to concentrate on the positives and not let potential negative consequences enter your mind.”
Nemechek and his No. 78 Furniture Row Racing team have positives to focus on for this weekend’s Cup race at Pocono Raceway. For starters, the team recently enjoyed a successful test session at the 2.5-mile oval, located in Long Pond, Pa.
“I thought our test session last week at Pocono was encouraging,” said Nemechek. “The Furniture Row Racing Chevy Impala SS with Hendrick power under the hood had the speed that is necessary to not only qualify, but also to be competitive on race day.”
Another encouraging development for the single-car team is how solid Nemechek ran in Dover on Sunday before getting wrecked. The No. 78 Chevy started 31st and moved to the low 20s in track position. But on Lap 76 of 400, Nemechek got tagged by Michael Waltrip, sending the Furniture Row Racing Chevy into the concrete wall.
Though Nemechek nursed the crippled car to the checkered flag, he was pleased with the overall effort and especially the way the No. 78 Chevy handled prior to the accident.
“The car was balanced at the beginning and I knew we were pretty good,” said Nemechek following the Dover race. “Maybe not a car that could win, but a car capable of finishing in the top 10 or top 12.”
Nemechek feels if he can have a clean race at Pocono, a top-10 finish is attainable.
“I’ve had some good runs at Pocono and feel that we’re ready for a solid performance in the Furniture Row Chevy,” noted Nemechek, who finished third at Pocono in the 2005 June race. “The more I think and talk about our potential, the more positive and healthier I feel.”
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