FANTASTIC SPIN TO WIN FINISH FOR DALE JARRETT
Brooklyn, MI - After taking a spin coming off turn 4 on lap 11 and going back to 31st pit strategy once again plays a part in the outcome of a race that was won by Dale Jarrett in the #88 UPS Ford. During the caution with just 32 laps left in the race, Dale Jarrett and his crew chief Todd Parrott decide to take 4 tires and sacrifice track position. Dale returned to the race in 17th position, but quickly forged ahead to take over the lead and win the Pepsi 400. This win comes exactly 11 years to the day that he won his first Winston Cup race at this same track.
Tony Stewart, who started 24th in the #20 Home Depot Pontiac, had a strong car the entire day. During the same caution period, he and crew chief Greg Zipadelli, go with 2 tires to come out in 6th position. He was able to challenge Jeff Burton for the lead, but was overtaken by Dale Jarrett. The #20 stayed strong and Tony finished 2nd.
Jeff Burton and his crew chief, Frank Stoddard, decided not to pit and was leading the race as they went back to green. He had been fighting the water temperature in his #99 Citgo Ford, but hoped the engine would see him through to the end of the race. Unfortunately, the engine finally succumbed when the water ran out and he finished in 4th.
The race proved to be better than anticipated with plenty of passing and drivers able to take different lines on the race track. Because of concessions allowed to the Chevrolets and Pontiacs, it was feared they would dominate the race. The day began with Chevrolets in the top 5 positions. It was a relief that each of the manufacturers was represented by finishing first through sixth.
Although Sterling Marlin was able to hang onto the lead in Winston Cup points, the gap has become significantly tighter. Any driver that is currently in the top 10 in points could take over at the next race in Bristol.
Who do you think will be at the top next Sunday?
Article by S. Kipple
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