LAST LAP VICTORY
FOR BOBBY LABONTE
Homestead, FL: Heartbreak for Bill Elliott means victory for Bobby Labonte. On the last lap of the Ford 400, Bill had a decisive lead on Bobby when he suddenly wobbled and moved up the track. Bobby ducked underneath for the win as Bill slid back to 8th.
The #9 Dodge Dealers Dodge was in great form as Bill moved from is 20th starting position to the lead on lap 41. There were a few different leaders, but Bill had command of the race. His strategy to take fuel only at a caution on lap 142 did not cause him to falter. Only a flat tire on the final lap prevented Bill from securing the win.
Although Bobby Labonte had started the race on the outside pole, he had trouble early in the race and faded back. Then, during the wreck on lap 5, the #18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet was struck by debris and Bobby was forced to pit. Moving up quickly and quietly throughout the race, the only lap Bobby led was the last. This was his first win since Atlanta in the Spring.
Finishing 2nd today was close to being a miracle for Kevin Harvick. While making a move to pass Ryan Newman, the #29 Goodwrench Chevrolet got loose. As Kevin tried to gain control, he slid up into Ryan, forcing the #12 Alltel Dodge into Kurt Busch who was running high in the outside line. Kurt & Ryan struck the wall and spun into each other suffering heavy damage. Kevin was able to continue with very little damage. He led 4 laps when he was first off pit road on lap 129. But, he could not hold back Bill Elliott.
Jimmie Johnson was hoping for a good race today. His goal was to take 2nd place in the Championship standings. When a tire went down on lap 36, he thought that goal was out of reach. Fortunately, he was able to get in front of Bill Elliott on a restart and the next caution allowed him to get back onto the lead lap. The #48 Lowes Chevrolet ran well the rest of the day and Jimmie moved back to the front finishing 3rd. This gave him the points he needed to take 2nd place in the Championship.
Johnny Benson fought an ill handling car most of the day. He did a great holding onto his position in the top 10. In his last race as driver of the #10 Valvoline Pontiac, Johnny came in 4th.
After leading for only 3 laps, Jeff Gordon was another driver that grappled with his car throughout the race. Able to stay out of trouble, Jeff brought the #24 DuPont Chevrolet in 5th.
Another driver that had his ups and downs was Jeremy Mayfield in the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge. At one time running 1 and 2 with team mate Bill Elliott, Jeremy stayed near the front most of the day. Then, on lap 141, Jeremy’s right rear tire went down and he was forced to pit. After some deliberation by NASCAR officials, it was decided that Jeremy would remain on the lead lap due to the field being frozen when the caution came out. Jeremy battled his way back to the front and came in 6th.
Like team mate Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart ran into problems on lap 5 when a coil spring flew into the front of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet. Tony had to pit twice for repairs, but managed to stay on the lead lap. Tony was determined to get back to the front and his car was strong enough to get him there. It wasn’t long before Bill Elliott’s spotter was advising him to watch for the 20. Tony took the lead on lap 208, but Bill had the better car and Tony gave up that position on lap 216. He began to slide back due to a bad set of tires. He made a final pit stop for fresher tires and worked his way back up to finish 7th.
Pole sitter Jamie McMurray finished 9th despite having grazed the outside wall on two separate occasions in the #42 Havoline Dodge. Sterling Marlin brought the #40 Coors Light Dodge in 10th.
2003 Winston Cup Champion Matt Kenseth left the race early with a blown engine. He used his backup
car for the crowning ceremonies at the end of the race. Jamie McMurray won “Rookie of the Year”
honors. Terry Labonte jumped into the last spot in Championship points. We’ll look forward to seeing
him on stage along with Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Bobby
Labonte, and Bill Elliott. The final Winston Cup celebration will be December 5th in New York.
Article by S. Kipple
11/16/03
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