It was Friday morning, and the dawn of race weekend at Pocono International Raceway. The #1 Chevrolet Team is busy preparing for a day of NASCAR Sprint Cup practices and qualifying, at a track driver, Jamie McMurray is still trying to perfect.
"I used to dread coming to Pocono, but since they've repaved it, I really enjoy coming here...I was anxious to come back for this race," said McMurray.
Keith Rodden is in his first year as McMurray's crew chief. He's an engineer, whose education gives the team an extra edge on the track. McMurray appreciates his 'street smarts' and ability to use common sense with his knowledge of how the car works, joking that Rodden is "a bit rednecky."
McMurray had the tenth fastest car in practice on Friday, and the team improved to become 8th fastest in qualifying.
It was a solid top ten day for the team, as they left the track frustration-free, and feeling good about Sunday's race.