It Was Certainly Interesting

An interesting day indeed for Joe Gibbs Racing. DW had no more than got the mention of the 1st lap wreck of 1997 out of his mouth when Davie Ragan once more proved that he should be running the local short tracks and not running with the professionals.

Lap 1 turn 4 and Ragan slides up the track into J.J. Yeley ending his day before it even began. Also caught up in the wreck are Ricky Rudd and Casey Mears. Ragan said afterwards that he didn’t realize Yeley was right alongside him. Since they started 18th and 19th and were still on the first lap you would think common sense would tell you there was a car beside you.

Lap 68 Denny Hamlin has a vibration and makes a green flag pit stop for 4 new tires. He goes a lap down.

Lap 240 Despite the announcers constant ravings about Juan Pablo Montoya and his driving abilities, he sideswipes Tony and spins him out. In the ensuing cloud of smoke Jimmie Johnson T-bones Tony, damaging his front end and sending him to the garage. Tony remains in the race, albeit with a torn up car.

Two weeks ago he did the same thing, taking out Tony Raines. This one would have longer lasting effects though.

Lap 253 - Tony loses control and spins out. Jr slow up and is rear-ended by Kyle Busch sending both cars to the garage. After trying for 185 laps, Denny Hamlin gets the lucky dog and is back on the lead lap.

Lap 325 - Kyle Busch’s car is back on the track - with Dale Jr. driving. Seems Kyle had left the track and his crew ask Jr. to drive it.

Lap 318 - Matt Kenseth takes the lead from Jeff Gordon.

Lap 322 - Jeff Burton passes Gordon to take second.

Lap 323 through 333 - Burton keeps hounding Kenseth and in a fierce battle can’t get the lead.

Lap 334 (white flag) - Burton finally gets past Kenseth in turn 4.

Lap 335 - Checkered Flag: Jeff Burton becomes the 1st repeat winner at Texas.

After spending over half the race a lap down, Denny Hamlin finished 9th, moving up to 5th in the points.
Tony finished 25th 2 laps down but remains in 9th place
J.J. finished 43rd dropping him from 18th to 22nd in the standings.

Yes, it was an interesting day. And how was your day?

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