David Reutimann and the #44 UPS Team are "off to the races" this weekend as the Sprint Cup Series resumes action at Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron's 499. For the second year, the UPS Toyota will feature a special paint scheme at Talladega with a horse racing theme paying tribute to a partnership between UPS, the Kentucky Derby and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA).
"The Kentucky Derby is a tremendous event," Reutimann said. "We are celebrating the 134th running of the Derby this year so there are not a lot of sports that can boast that type of heritage. It's an exciting relationship UPS has with the NTRA and the Kentucky Derby and we are proud to carry this paint scheme on the #44 this weekend."
The Aaron's 499 is scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET start. FOX will provide the live television broadcast while MRN will provide live radio coverage.
Reutimann Discusses Racing at Talladega Superspeedway
Is the pressure off of you and the team now that you're back inside the top-35 in owner's point standings?
"I guess you could say that it's off of us for this week. We know that we locked into the race at Talladega and that's what's important for the immediate future but as a team we've got to look ahead and see how we stay there and continue to move up. I don't think that it's unreasonable to believe that this team is capable of breaking into the top-20 in the point standings but it starts here at Talladega.
Since qualifying is not an issue, my job this weekend is to keep us in the race. Racing at Talladega, you never really know what is going to happen or when so the biggest thing for the UPS Team this weekend is to finish. If we see a big wreck, it could change who is locked in (to the top-35) going into the next race. It's hard because a lot of times it's out of your hands as a driver."
Are you excited about the special paint scheme that you're running this weekend?
"I really am. For the second year, UPS has put together a neat program with their "Off to the Races" sweepstakes and their partnership with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. We're running a paint scheme this weekend to commemorate the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby and one lucky winner is going to be our guest at the track this weekend and then get to go to Churchill Downs for the Derby the following weekend. I think the car looks great and I'm pretty certain that with the Kentucky Derby logos and diamond pattern, it's as close as I'll ever be to racing a horse. I leave the riding to my daughter, Emilia. She is really interested in horse riding so this paint scheme will be a big thrill for her this weekend."
UPS Racing Team Notes of Interest
- Following a top-20 finish at Phoenix, Reutimann has returned to the top-35 in owner's point standings guaranteeing he will make his third career Sprint Cup start at Talladega on Sunday, April 27th.
- For this weekend's Aaron's 499, the #44 UPS Toyota will carry a special paint scheme honoring the company's partnership with the Kentucky Derby and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA).
- Reutimann will join teammates Michael Waltrip and Dale Jarrett at an appearance at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, April 30 as part of the "Off to the Races Delivered by UPS" sweepstakes program. All three drivers will participate in the trophy presentation for a race sponsored by UPS as well as an autograph session.
- Also on April 30, Dale Jarrett will participate in the ESPN broadcast of the annual Kentucky Derby post position draw that takes place in downtown Louisville.
