Cook Completes First Nextel Cup Race; Finishes 28th at Infineon

SONOMA, CA (June 26, 2005) - Road racing specialist Chris Cook entered his first career Nextel Cup race at Infineon Speedway this weekend and came away with a wealth of knowledge and a lead-lap, 28th-place finish.

“I’m really happy with our effort today because I was able to learn so much,” said Cook, following the 110-lap event. “Obviously our first challenge was making the race, but once we were in the field, our focus turned to completing every lap and just gaining the most experience possible. It was a good effort.”

Friday’s qualifying session proved stressful for the Sonoma, Ca. native as 48 cars attempted to make the event on the 1.99-mile road course. With the top 35 in Nextel Cup points locked in, Cook knew going in he would have to run quicker than five of the remaining 13 cars in order to make the show. He did that and more posting the 28th-fastest time.

Competing against 42 of the sport’s best racers, the plan going into the SaveMart 350 was to make laps, stay out of trouble and bring the No. 87 home in one piece. Cook was content to ride and learn, following the paths of those with years of NASCAR experience. At the drop of the checkers, Cook had completed his first Nextel Cup race with the respect of his team and fellow competitors.

The next venture for Cook and the NEMCO/Christine Marie Motorsports team will be a double-duty weekend at Watkins Glen on August 13th and 14th. Cook will attempt to qualify for both the Busch and Nextel Cup series events.

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