DAVID REUTIMANN CHARLOTTE PREVIEW

Fan question of the week: Amy from Winter Haven, FL asks, 'Since it is college football season and you're from a big college football state like Florida, do you have a rooting interest or have time to keep up with it?' "To be honest, I don't have that much time to keep up with it but I like to root for all of the teams in the state of Florida. If I had to say a team that I tend to follow more it would be the Florida Gators."

What do you like about racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway? "I like all mile and half tracks – they’re fast and you can race around to find different groves to get your car to handle better. And Lowe’s has been good to me. In addition to the win, my first top-10 in Sprint Cup was here in 2008 and I got my first start in a Sprint Cup car here back in 2005.”

How does it feel to know you're the returning champ at this track? "It feels awesome. It's special anytime you can say ‘defending winner’ and I'm proud to have that distinction this weekend with our Aaron's Dream Machine."

Is there more pressure racing in Charlotte because it's NASCAR's hometown and the family and friends of everyone from the drivers to the crew will be in attendance? "Sure, it gives the winner bragging rights. All the teams have employees that work at the shops that are able to bring their families, and everyone wants to show what they've accomplished."

Because everyone on the team lives in the Charlotte area how does that change the preparation this week? "Well, you get to sleep in your own bed for one thing. The work aspect doesn't change - everyone remains focused on their responsibilities heading into the weekend. But you don't have all the travel so you get to visit with friends and family longer."

Goals for this weekend: "I'd love to repeat as the winner in the Aaron's Dream Machine, but a solid top-five or top-ten would be nice too."

2009 NSCS Points Standings: Last week’s tough finish dropped Reutimann to 16th, but the gap to 13th place – the highest non-Chase driver – actually closed to just 87 points.

Chassis Information: The No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine for Fontana is chassis No. 638. This Aaron's Dream Machine ran at Chicago in July where it scored 12th and was driven to an impressive 4th-place finish at Atlanta in September.

Race Information: Watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in action at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. Race coverage for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America begins at 7:00 p.m. ET on ABC.