Catchfence

WEST ALLIS, Wisc. (June 21, 2009) — Fresh off his 41st career Truck Series victory, birthday boy Ron Hornaday jumped from his No. 33 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) truck to the No. 33 KHI Jimmy John’s car, starting the NorthernTool.com 250 from the 13th position and scored a solid ninth-place finish.

Looking to become the first driver to win a Nationwide Series race on his birthday, Hornaday took the green-flag from the 13th position and quickly began his move to the front, taking over the fifth position on lap 52.

With the race continuing caution free, crew chief Ernie Cope made the call to bring Hornaday down pit road on lap 77 for a scheduled green-flag stop for four tires and fuel. The team made no adjustments on the stop as the car was to Hornaday’s liking and running lap times comparable to the leaders. With a fumble on the stop and a penalty for too fast exiting pit road, Hornaday was scored in the 16th position on lap 82 following the cycle of stops, one lap down to the leaders.

Fighting to get in position for the lucky dog, Hornaday was in the 14th position on lap 123 when the caution flag waved. With the No. 33 Jimmy John’s car a little tight in traffic and needing to be freer in the corners, the team changed four tires, added fuel and made an air-pressure adjustment. Hornaday restarted in the 14th position on lap 128. Continuing to battle for the lucky dog position, Hornaday was in 11th on lap 191 in position to earn the lucky dog when the caution flag waved, putting Hornaday and the No. 33 team back on the lead lap. The team pitted for four tires and fuel, restarting the race on lap 198 in the 11th spot.

Running fast laps, Hornaday was able to gain two more positions to finish the NorthernTool.com 250 in the ninth spot. Defending race winner Carl Edwards won the race followed by Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Erik Darnell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Next on the Nationwide Series Schedule:

Date: June 27, 2009

Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Event Name: Camping World RV Sales 200

Driver: Kevin Harvick

Sponsor: Copart

Broadcast Time: 2:30 p.m., ET on ABC and PRN Radio

- Kevin Harvick Inc. Press Release