JOE NEMECHEK IGNITES
EXCITEMENT!
Richmond, VA: "Front Row Joe" started on the outside pole, made a pit stop error and still ended the race out front in the Pontiac Excitement 400.
It was by no means an easy night for Joe in the #25 UAW/Delphi Chevrolet. In the back of everyone's mind was the status of Jerry Nadeau, in critical condition at a nearby hospital, due to a horrendous single car wreck during practice on Friday.
Although Joe led the first lap, he drifted back and teammate Terry Labonte took over in the #5 Kelloggs Chevrolet. The lead shifted between several drivers. Then, on lap 74 Ryan Newman moved to the front. But the position was short lived. The #12 Alltel Ford was black flagged on lap 100 with smoke pouring out the rear. Ryan was forced to the garage, once again making an early exit.
Now it became evident that Mother Nature may play a role in the outcome of the race. The field was red flagged due to rain on lap 157. When the green flag waved again, Bobby Labonte had taken the #18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet to first, with a determined Rusty Wallace in 2nd. But again, this was not to be Rusty's race, although the #2 Miller Lite Dodge did finish in the top 10.
The woes also continued for Tony Stewart. When Elliott Sadler hit the wall in the #38 M&M's Dodge, Tony went through some debris and ended up taking the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet into the wall as well. This was Tony's 4th DNF in only the 11th race of the season.
It was during the caution for Elliott's and Tony's wrecks that the miscue occurred for Joe Nemechek.
Everyone else went to pit road except Joe. When he did finally pit, he came out in 25th and Jeff Gordon
assumed the lead. At this point, it looked as though the mistake would cost Joe the race. But Joe
never lost sight of his goal and with a little help from Mother Nature, he powered his way to the
front and claimed his 3rd Winston Cup Victory!
Article by S. Kipple
5/03/03
Links
Website designed and maintained
by CSP
Media
original content (c)2002-2003 Dawn Church
Visit http://www.Virtual411.com
"Your Place" in cyberspace
Statements within are the opinions of their authors and do not
necessarily reflect the opinion of CSP Media and their affiliates.