Automatic qualifying positions in the first five races were based on 2006 owner points. Since Nemechek is with a new Ginn team, he had to race his way into the starting field each week.
Entering Martinsville, the Ginn Racing No. 13 team is 26th in owner points and Nemechek is ranked 28th in driver points.
“It’s going to be nice going to Martinsville without the heavy baggage of pressure that I felt since the beginning of the season, ” offered Nemechek. “Now, we can spend more time working on our race-trim setup when we get to the track. “
Nemechek, who was ranked 19th in the driver standings prior to Bristol, feels that his No. 13 team has plenty of potential to crack the contender list for the Chase.
“The qualifying issue hanging over our head and the time it consumed in practice put us behind each week, ” said Nemechek. “We’re ready to unleash and I truly feel that we’re going to surprise a bunch of people this season. “
Nemechek will also get to compete in the NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow for the first time. He will drive the No. 13 Ginn Resorts Chevrolet Impala SS.
“I’m looking forward to driving the COT in the race, ” said Nemechek. “No need to complain about the car, we just need to get used to it and make it work. ”
Nemechek’s best career finish at the half-mile Martinsville flat track was 10th in April, 2005.
“Only one top-10 at Martinsville might not look good on paper, but what I do know is that I had a number of strong runs there, ” recalled Nemechek. “Either a mechanical failure or being taken out on the track were reasons for ruining a lot of quality performances. ”
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