After sitting out Sunday’s Sprint Cup Event at Watkins Glen (NY), Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Regan Smith is eager to be back behind the wheel of his No. 01 DEI/Principal Financial Group Chevrolet in this weekend’s 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Smith was replaced in the Watkins Glen event by road course specialist Ron Fellows.
“I understand why our company put Ron in the car last week, but it was still hard to not be in the race,” Smith said. “Ron’s a great road course racer and he proved that Sunday (finished 13th). His performance helped to move the team up to 30th in owner points and that’s important.”
Only the top 35 in owner points are guaranteed a starting position in each week’s event.
“I’m glad to be getting back in the car at Michigan,” continued Smith. “It’s a track where I feel really comfortable. It’s fast, wide and smooth. You can run a number of different lines around the place, so that makes it fun for the drivers.
“The team established some momentum last week and I plan on keeping things going in the right direction for us. I’m looking forward to proving that I can go out there and get the job done.”
Smith leads Sam Hornish Jr. in 2008 rookie of the year points, 176-173.
“Winning rookie of the year was something that the team and I set as a goal at the beginning of the season,” Smith said. “A good run on Sunday would put us closer to it and it would definitely be a big motivator for us as the season progresses.”
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