Smith Brings Home 21st-Place Finish at Richmond

RICHMOND, Va.  (May 3, 2008) – Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Regan Smith and his No. 01 Steak-umm Race Team continued to show vast improvement, with a 21st-place finish in Saturday’s Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400. Smith was once again the highest finishing rookie in the race, further strengthening his rookie of the year campaign.

The Cato, N.Y. native started 26th at the 0.75-mile track and managed to keep his car out of trouble until lap 229, when he was caught up in an 11-car accident. Luckily, the No.01 Steak-umm Chevrolet was not badly damaged and Smith was able to continue his solid performance.

“A couple of cars got together in front of me and, next thing I know, everyone was wrecking,” Smith said. “I slowed down and was almost through it, but somebody got into me from behind and spun me. These new cars are pretty tough so it didn’t damage it too badly.”

Crew chief Doug Richert and the team spent the majority of the race working on the handling of Smith’s Chevrolet.

“We were loose going into the corners and loose coming out, but we were tight in the middle,” continued Smith. “Doug and the guys tried a little bit of everything – track bar adjustments, wedge adjustments - you name it. I’m proud of the guys for not giving up.”

The strong run at Richmond moved Smith up one spot to 34th in NASCAR Sprint Cup owner points.

“It was a pretty good weekend for us,” said Smith. “Our car was good in practice and we managed to finish the race in one piece. We’re making baby steps with this deal, getting better every weekend.”

Smith and the team return to action next weekend at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, where Smith will make his first Sprint Cup start at the track labeled “Too Tough Too Tame.”