Matt Kenseth Wins Looney Tunes Race
Under the Lights!
Richmond, VA - The opening ceremonies were spectacular and the race itself was no less so as Matt Kenseth wins the Monte Carlo 400. After experiencing 2 cut right front tires, no one would have guessed that Matt could bring the #17 DeWalt Ford to victory lane, but the car was strong enough to do just that. Through all the beating and banging, Matt maneuvered through traffic to take the lead away from Ryan Newman twice. The final laps were most dramatic as reports came in that Matt was 5 laps short on fuel. The calculations proved wrong as he flew across the finish line for his 4th win of the season.
The race was just about as loony as the cartoon characters depicted on the Chevy Monte Carlos. The first caution coming on lap 2 as Elliott Sadler struck the inside wall in the #21 Motorcraft Ford. No sooner had the race gone back to green when Jeff Burton got loose and the #99 Citgo Ford went into the outside wall. As the field checked up behind Jeff, Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer tangled and the #40 Coors Light Dodge and #40 Target Dodge went into the wall. The race was red flagged so the track could be cleaned, but the 2002 Championship points leader was out of the race.
Rusty Wallace made another impressive charge to the front in the #2 Miller Lite Ford. He was inspired by his contention for the No Bull million dollar prize. After being trapped a lap down during green flag pit stops, Rusty battled his way back to the front. He seemed to be in command with Matt Kenseth in his sights until his 2nd cut tire of the night forced him to pit with just 10 laps left. He ended the race in 15th place.
Ryan Newman led much of the race in his #12 Alltel Ford, but once again, the car did not have what it took to win.
Tony Stewart came from 14th to lead the race on lap 145. The #20 Home Depot Pontiac lost the lead during the confusion of the green flag pit stops. He appeared to be on the move late in the race when the rear end gear gave out with just 2 laps remaining. He finished 30th in the race and dropped to 5th in the points standings.
Mark Martin had struggled for much of the race, but ended in 6th. He Moved to within 9 points of the points leader, Sterling Marlin. Jeff Gordon left the race at lap 53 with a broken valve train. He dropped to 4th in points.
The last night race of the season was full of ups and downs with the points
race tightening up considerably. Let us know how you liked it. Do
think more night races should be added to the schedule?
Article by S. Kipple
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