Mayfield’s Strong Start
Runs Out of Juice

Martinsville, Va.(March 31, 2008) –  A solid start for Jeremy Mayfield and the No. 70 Haas Automation team gave way to frustration and a 32nd-place finish in yesterday’s running of the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

Mayfield started the 500-lap race in the 31st position and quickly began moving his way through the field, reaching the Top-20 just 30 laps in. Despite his progress, Mayfield reported that his Chevrolet Impala SS was too tight in the middle of the corners and loose off and that he thought, “The track has changed. A lot of drivers are struggling.”

Following a pit stop for adjustments on Lap 44, Mayfield restarted the race in the 28th position and was running in the Top 25 for an extended stretch before reporting that his engine was not hitting on all eight cylinders.

He quickly dropped from 23rd to 43rd as the engine continued to sputter. “It’s missing real bad. I’m getting run over,” Mayfield said. A trip to the pit box would be necessary to determine the problem.

Upon examination the crew found that the battery cable had become unplugged. The repair, which included removing the left rear tire to access the battery, caused Mayfield to lose the lead lap. He was also assessed a drive-through penalty for speeding on pit road.

Mayfield re-entered the race in the 43rd position but the team was determined to make the most of the situation. “We need to make the best of what we’ve got,” crew chief Dave Skog said. “Every position counts.”

Indeed that was the case as Mayfield’s 32nd-place finish allowed the team to remain in the Top 35 in owner points and hold onto its guaranteed starting position. The No. 70 team now finds itself just three points ahead of the 35th place team and six points ahead of 36th.

Mayfield and the team will attempt to improve their position next week at Texas Motor Speedway during Sunday’s running of the Samsung 500. The race can be seen live on Fox beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT and on PRN affiliates beginning at 2 p.m. EDT.