JIMMIE JOHNSON BACK
AT LADY IN BLACK
Darlington, SC: Not quite the exciting finish of a year ago, but still a dramatic climax as Jimmie Johnson nips Bobby Labonte to win the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400.
The "Lady in Black" was cruel today as many top contenders were slapped down during the race. Michael Waltrip cut a left rear tire and the #15 NAPA Chevrolet went into the wall on lap 9. Then, on lap 27, Jeff Gordon slammed into the spinning car of Andy Hillenburg. Andy had been nudged out of the way by an overly aggressive Tony Stewart. Ryan Newman was leading the race when he started onto pit road on lap 124. The rear of the #12 Alltel Dodge slid around and Ryan struck the pylon at the commitment line. Kasey Kahne was unable to get onto pit road and Ryan was assessed a drive-thru penalty that put him close to 2 laps down. He later received the "Lucky Dog" pass back onto the lead lap.
Points leader, Matt Kenseth, also felt the sting of the track many call "Too Tough to Tame". Matt spun the #17 DeWalt Ford on lap 161. He was then black-flagged for passing under the caution. Later, Matt had a loose tire that caused him to go down even more laps. He finished dismally in 31st, but still retains a slim 21 point lead over Dale Earnhardt Jr in the Championship standings.
Jimmie Johnson led the race for the first time on lap 171. He was able to keep that position after an exemplary 12.6 second pit stop. His crew chief, Chad Knaus, had once again picked the first pit stall at the entrance onto pit road. This proved to be a cunning move as Jimmie was able to snatch the lead from Bobby Labonte after the final pit stop on lap 277. Bobby made several attempts to get by the #48 Lowes Chevrolet, but could not make it. This was Jimmie's first win at Darlington, NASCAR's oldest track.
After his poor showing last week in Atlanta, Bobby Labonte had an excellent race finishing 2nd. Crew Chief, Michael (Fatback) McSwain, made the necessary adjustments to get the #18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet past Kurt Busch and into the lead on lap 260. But the caution on lap 277 had Bobby coming off of pit road barely 1 foot behind Jimmie Johnson and finishing the race in that order.
Even though Ryan Newman had his troubles on lap 124, he was able to make a charge to the front and brought the #12 Alltel Dodge in 3rd. Ryan had also led 47 laps early in the race.
Robby Gordon made up the most positions on the track today. He came from 29th to finish 4th. His crew was phenomenal throughout the race, giving him awesome stops resulting in great track position.
The #38 M&Ms Ford ran well for Elliott Sadler all day. He was not able to lead the race, but he stayed in the top 10 and finished 5th.
Kurt Busch led the race on 4 different occasions, but when Bobby Labonte passed him, he fell back and could not get back to the front. He brought the #97 Rubbermaid/Sharpie Ford in 6th.
Although Mark Martin had the fastest car in final practice, it took him most of the race to crack the top 10. The #6 Viagra Ford was good enough to get Mark to 7th.
Kevin Harvick used the "Lucky Dog" pass to his advantage. He brought the #29 Goodwrench Chevrolet
in 8th. Jeremy Mayfield ran well all day in the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge. He finished 9th.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr battled the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet all day. He came in 10th.
Article by S. Kipple
03/21/04
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