AMBROSE HAS LOFTY GOALS FOR 2010 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SEASON BEGINNING WITH DAYTONA 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 2, 2010) - - Marcos Ambrose surprised himself and his JTG Daugherty Racing team with a top-20 (18th) finish in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings. He launched his season by earning a respectable finish (17th) in the Daytona 500 while making history as the first Australian driver to compete in The Great American Race.
Ambrose had limited experience and little expectation entering the 2.5-mile tri-oval last season, but this year is a different story for the 33-year-old who hails from Tasmania, an island state of Australia.
"We feel like we can win a race and contend for the Chase," said Ambrose, who is piloting the No. 47 Kroger Toyota Camry. "It's lofty, but I think it is realistic."
JTG Daugherty Racing announced in January that The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer and World's Largest Florist, would be the primary sponsor for Ambrose and the No. 47 Toyota Camry team during the world-famous 52nd running of the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Ambrose is hoping the special rose paint scheme he is carrying on his Toyota will bring him the luck he needs to persevere on Valentine's Day.
"You've got to have some luck on your side, you've got to consistently perform and do your job well," Ambrose said. "If we do that and put ourselves in good positions, we can win races and contend for the Chase. There's no doubt. The first five races are critical and we have to perform starting with Daytona. It's a long year and you do not want to put yourself on your back foot from the start. We have to finish every race and finish in the top-10. Then we will have something to build on with our Kroger Toyota Camry."
It all begins with Daytona, where NASCAR has lifted the bump-drafting rules and is allowing teams to use bigger restrictor plates to promote better racing for the fans.
"I think it's a great move by NASCAR and it allows drivers to drive with more consistency and the race will flow better," Ambrose said. "Daytona is the biggest race of the year and there's a lot of pressure to run well. We want to be able to put on a good race for the fans and for our sponsors."
"Fans come to see good racing," added Frank Kerr, crew chief of the No. 47 Kroger Toyota Camry. "I'm glad they are letting them go out there and race. That's what the fans want to see."
What Kerr also wants to witness is another standout year for his driver and JTG Daugherty Racing team that is backed by so many great primary sponsors like Bush's Baked Beans, Clorox, Kingsford, Little Debbie Snacks, Kimberly Clark, Kroger and Lance Snacks. Last year, Ambrose recorded four top-five, seven top-10 and 14 top-15 finishes en route to an 18th-place finish in the championship standings.
"As the season progressed, we ran fast and held our form the entire race," Ambrose said. "We were able to stay in the top 20 in points all season long."
Following a respectable season, Ambrose is more confident entering his second Daytona 500.
"I have more self-confidence," Ambrose said. "I came into 2009 knowing it was a make or break season for me. As the season progressed last year, I started to feel comfortable in my own skin. My self-confidence grew and that gave me self-assurance. Knowing I do belong is a big deal to me."
Having a crew chief that understands has helped Ambrose adapt.
"First, I need crew chief that understands and interprets what I'm trying to say and Frankie has 'seat of pants' experience," Ambrose said. "Second, trust is a major component. Frankie's a nuts and bolts guy with a common sense approach. We work well together and he's a good friend. When this is all over, I'm sure that friendship will last forever."
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About The Kroger Co.:
Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,469 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The Company also operates 773 convenience stores, 392 fine jewelry stores, 850 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.
Media Relations
Contacts:
Jennifer Chapple
Public Relations Director
JTG Daugherty Racing
Cell Phone: (704) 507-8809
Email Address: JChapple@JTGRacing.com
Meghan Glynn
Director of Corporate Communications
The Kroger Co.
513-762-1304
meghan.glynn@kroger.com
