DENVER (May 6, 2008) -- Since 1994 Joe Nemechek has attempted to tame Darlington Raceway's egg-shaped oval, unquestionably one of the toughest circuits on the NASCAR schedule.

"Let's be realistic -- if you don't have the right amount of respect for Darlington Raceway you're going to take some hard licks," said Nemechek. "It can be a beast, but at the same time it's a fun place to race at because of its personality and degree of difficulty."

Nemechek, driver of the Denver-based No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet Impala SS, will attempt to start his 24th-career race at the daunting 1.366-mile track in Saturday night's 500-mile Sprint Cup event.

"The track has always been a challenge and we'll see how the newly-paved surface plays out," offered Nemechek, who has two top-10 finishes at Darlington. "Our first priority of course is to make sure we qualify the Furniture Row Racing Chevy. It's a driver's track that demands 110 percent attention on every lap and at every corner."

Nemechek, who is in his first full season with the Furniture Row Racing single-car team, has seen improvement in the past two races.

"We had the pole in Talladega and claimed our best finishes of the season at the last two races," explained Nemechek. "At this stage you just want to improve and that is happening for our team.

“We would like to take a big leap, but it doesn't work that way. You have to be patient and take those baby steps to get to the next level. This Furniture Row Racing team is on the right course and it's been gratifying to see the improvement."

Nemechek will have another incentive for the Mother's Day weekend race. His mother, Martha Nemechek, is one of the most popular, caring and revered family members in the Cup garage.

"She has always been a special Mom and I am very proud of her," said Nemechek. "I wouldn't be where I am today without her lifelong support."

As in past years, Martha will be among a group of mothers who will escort their sons across the stage during prerace introductions. The mothers will also give the famous command to start the engines.