Catchfence


Nov 10, 2009
Tuesday
Denny Hamlin / Joe Gibbs Racing Phoenix Preview
Press Release
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Huntersville, N.C. – Joey Logano will take a late season break from the NASCAR Nationwide Series as he hands over the reins of his No. 20 GameStop Toyota to his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin, at the Able Body Labor 200. The 19-year-old driver has taken the GameStop colors to Victory Lane five times in 2009. Logano will be back in his familiar ride for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Note: Logano is not competing full-time in the Nationwide Series this year.)

This will be Hamlin’s fourth race in the No. 20 Toyota in 2009, but his first with GameStop as the sponsor. A driver of his caliber will help the team remain inside the top-5 in the Nationwide Series owner standings. He qualified this car on the pole for the fall race at Richmond, where he led 101 laps.

Nintendo of America, Incorporated will share the car with GameStop. The paint scheme will reflect the Nov. 15, 2009 release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the newest version of one of the best-selling video game series in history. This newest installment of the franchise will feature simultaneous multiplayer that will allow four players to join the side-scrolling adventure at the same time and on the same level at any point in the game for competitive and cooperative multiplayer fun.

Denny Hamlin Quotes:

Phoenix is one of my favorite racetracks. I really wanted to run this race as part of my part-time Nationwide Series schedule. It’s kind of a blend between Richmond and Loudon, and I love both of those tracks too. From the start of my career I have always loved the unique tracks like Phoenix – they bring the best out of me in the racecar and I know the fans love it also. There needs to be more unique tracks like Phoenix on the schedule.”

“The New Super Mario Bros. Wii car looks really cool. Like a lot of guys my age, I remember when I got my first Nintendo. Now I have a Wii at home and in my motor home that I play all the time. It’s amazing how a lot of things come full circle. When I was younger I was a big fan of Joe Gibbs and Nintendo. Now I have both of them wrapped up in this racecar.”

Joey Logano

“I’m glad that GameStop was able to pick up the race at Phoenix. There is no one I would rather have drive my GameStop Toyota than Denny Hamlin. He will be a threat to win.”

Noteworthy

◦ Denny Hamlin has garnered four top-5 finishes, 5 top-10 finishes and 135 laps led in eight career Nationwide Series starts at Phoenix.

◦ Hamlin won the pole and finished second in this race one year ago.

◦ Hamlin has also competed in Nationwide Series races at Las Vegas, Richmond and Dover in the No. 20 Toyota.

◦ The No. 20 JGR Toyota has competed in 11 Nationwide Series events at Phoenix with three different drivers.

◦ The No. 20 Toyota is fifth in the Nationwide Series owne standings.

◦ New Super Mario Bros. Wii will available at GameStop, or online at www.gamestop.com beginning Nov. 15.

No. 20 GameStop Toyota Season Stats

Wins: 5

Poles: 4

Top 5: 12

Top 10: 15

Best Start: 1

Best Fin: 1

Avg. Start: 8.2

Avg. Fin: 7.8

Race Information

Series: Nationwide Series

Race: Able Body Labor 200

Distance: 200 miles

Laps: 200 laps

Race No. 34 of 35

Venue: Phoenix Int’l Raceway

Location: Avondale, AZ

Chassis Info

Primary: JGR #2097

History: Hamlin raced this chassis at Richmond in May

Backup: JGR #2095

Broadcast Information

Friday

Practice 1: 12:00 PM EST, Speed

Practice 2: 3:30 PM EST, Speed

Saturday

Qualifying: 12:00 PM EST, Speed

Race: 4:00 PM EST

TV: ESPN2

Radio: MRN and Sirius

- MCG Sports Press Release


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