Nemechek out to avenge '05 Coke 600 flat.

The 2005 Coca Cola 600 witnessed one of the most galling losses of Joe Nemechek's Nextel Cup career to date as a late race puncture robbed the driver of the #01 MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet of a near certain victory.

Flash forward one year and while Nemechek certainly hasn't enjoyed anything like the same level of competitiveness at the start of this season as he did in 2005, the driver of the #01 U.S. Army backed Chevrolet certainly believes he can challenge for victory in the 2006 edition of NASCAR's longest race, traditionally held on a weekend that is very dear to Nemechek.

"When you compete in the U.S. Army car on Memorial Day weekend, the adrenalin flows faster and you carry additional pride," said Nemechek. "We came close to victory last year at this race and we will be just as aggressive this time around."

It's hard for Nemechek to forget about how close he actually came to victory lane in last year's Coca-Cola 600, cutting a tyre inside the final 20 laps and ploughing into the outside wall after just taking the lead.

"I want nothing more than to put on another strong performance to honour our soldiers who gave their lives for freedom and to our soldiers who are protecting freedom at home and abroad," offered Nemechek. "They are my heroes and I want to give them something to be proud of in return, especially at our Memorial Day race."

Winning NASCAR's longest race of the season (400 laps, 600 miles) will not be the easiest task for any of the 43 drivers, who will be competing on the newly paved track surface at Lowe's with a harder Goodyear tyre and a smaller fuel cell (from 22 gallons to 14 gallons).

"Last week's All-Star race gave all of us some additional testing," said Nemechek. "I felt our Army team was coming around and getting a better handle on the track and the Goodyear tyre. The 600 is all about patience and taking care of your equipment. I also feel that pit strategy is going to play a vital role this weekend. And if that's the case, I am even more confident."

When asked about the new Goodyear tyre for the Lowe's track, Nemechek's crew chief, Ryan Pemberton, said, "The tyre is so hard that it's one step below concrete."

Pemberton also sees a different kind of pit strategy for Sunday's race.

"When we pitted last year at this race, the tyres were the main reason, not fuel," explained Pemberton. "It will be completely different this year. The harder tyres will last longer, but you're going to have to pit on almost every caution because of the smaller fuel cell. You don't want to get caught by skipping a stop and then have a long green-flag run. If that happens, you'll be forced to pit for fuel, which will put you a lap down."

Pemberton definitely knows about pit strategy. His pit road calls late in the race put Nemechek in position to challenge for the win at the last three races at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In the 2004 autumn race, Nemechek finished fifth, and in last year's races at Lowe's, he nearly won the spring race and finished fourth in the autumn.

"I feel a whole lot better knowing that Ryan is on the Army pit box making the calls," said Nemechek.