Familiar Face Back With Country Joe Racing For DuQuoin

Topics:  Joey Miller, Southern Illinois 100

Chris Knight
Stott Classic Racing
September 2, 2007

DuQuoin, Illinois (September 2, 2007) - - 2005 ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) Rookie-of-the-Year Joey Miller has been tapped to drive the No. 32 Country Joe Racing Dodge Charger for Monday’s Southern Illinois 100 at the legendary DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.

The Minnesota based team is banking on Miller’s past performance at the legendary clay-oval to put the team in contention to win yet again this season.

The 18th event of the year will mark the third time that the impressive driver has taken the reins of the familiar CJR entry. Results at Nashville and Pocono Raceway were spoiled due to circumstances out of Miller’s control. However as the season begins to draw to a close, the reining superstar would like to rekindle the magic he carried in the series two years ago.

“I’m excited about going dirt racing,” said Miller, who scored the most ARCA RE/MAX Series poles in 2005 with six to his resume. “Teaming up with Country Joe Racing again is an opportunity for me to once again to showcase my talent. The competition is going to be stout, but I’m surrounded by an awesome team with a lot of talented people. I think our chances of running up front look good.”

With strong runs recently implanted by rising stars James Buescher and Michael Annett, Miller knows he has some tough shoes to fill, but the Farmington, Minnesota native also knows he has what it takes to keep the CJR torch going.

“It’s no surprise that Country Joe Racing has run upfront with the drivers they’ve had. The team is strong if not stronger than when I drove full time in 2005. We had a car capable of winning Pocono, but we were collected in an incident that was out of our hands. Monday’s race is a tradition and we plan to add our name to that traditional plague and grab another win for CJR this season,” remarked the five-time ARS winner.

Rewinding back two seasons ago Miller made his DuQuoin debut a memorable one.

After practicing 19th, Miller stepped up to the plate to qualify his No. 9 Dodge in the 16th position. During the short 100 lap feature, Miller stormed through the field to capture a strong sixth place finish. This year, the former American Speed Association (ASA) driver is looking to better his performance and keep his team in the owner point’s hunt.

“I have a lot of memories of DuQuoin. I remember it was a quick race, but we had a good car. Patience was the biggest thing I learned that day. I know the field is going to be quick on Monday, but I also know that our car is going to be top-notch. I know the car is capable of practicing and qualifying in the top-10. And with a little luck during the race, we should be able to bring home a top-five finish.”

Nate Thiesse, Director of Operations for Country Joe Racing commented on Miller’s return. “In our eyes, Joey Miller is a champion in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. He accomplished so much in his only full year of competition that some drivers take several years to conquer. His experience at DuQuoin will pay off for this team on Monday and we’re all looking forward to a good run.”

The Southern Illinois 100 (100 laps/100 miles) is the 19th of 23 races on the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The 25th ARCA race held at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds is a one day show. Practice begins Monday, September 3 with an hour practice session planned from 9:00am-10:00am. ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying is set for later in the morning at 11:00am Local Time. The event will take the green flag shortly after 1:00pm Local Time. The race will not be televised but additional race coverage is available online at arcaracing.com.

For more on Country Joe Racing, please visit CountryJoeRacing.com

Joey Miller, Country Joe Racing, DuQuoin State Fairgrounds,

Notes of Interest:

· Joey Miller will make his 29th career start on Monday at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. In his previous 28 starts, the veteran NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver has captured five wins, six poles and 13 top-five finishes. Miller has also led 1,013 laps in six races.

· Last year Country Joe Racing finished fifth after starting fifth with driver Blake Bjorklund aboard.

· Joey Miller will make 400 left hand turns on Monday afternoon.

· Joey Miller captured Rookie-of-the-Year honors at Elko Speedway in Minnesota 2001. Four years later Miller will be crowned ARS Rookie-of-the-Year in one of the toughest rookie battles to date.

· Joey Miller joins James Buescher, Todd Hansen and Michael Annett as the only repeat drivers for Country Joe Racing this season. Miller will make his third start for CJR this season. The team has fielded a car for Ryan Howard (Daytona), James Buescher (USA International Speedway, Salem , Berlin , Springfield and Milwaukee ), Joey Miller ( Nashville , Pocono – August and DuQuoin), Todd Hansen ( Kansas and Kentucky ), Dan Fredrickson ( Winchester ), Matt Merrell ( Toledo ), Michael Annett ( Iowa and Nashville – August and Gateway), Johnny Sauter (Pocono - June), Chris Wimmer ( Michigan ) and Brian Scott ( Kentucky – July) this season.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

NAME: Chris Knight, County Joe Racing
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: Knight849@aol.com