Havoline.com: Racing: NASCAR Results

22 May 2004

Nextel All-Star Challenge Unofficial Finish


 
   01. Matt Kenseth  	     #17 Ford DeWalt Power Tools
   02. Ryan Newman           #12 Dodge Mobil 1/ALLTEL
   03. Tony Stewart          #20 Chevrolet Home Depot 
   04. Michael Waltrip       #15 Chevrolet NAPA Auto Parts
   05. Dale Earnhardt Jr.    #8  Chevrolet Budweiser 
   06. Jeff Gordon           #24 Chevrolet DuPont 
   07. Kasey Kahne           #9  Dodge Dodge Dealers/UAW 
   08. Elliott Sadler        #38 Ford Pedigree
   09. Rusty Wallace  	     #2  Dodge Miller Lite 
   10. Mark Martin           #6  Ford Viagra

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Unofficial Points:


 
   01. Dale Earnhardt Jr.     1643
   02. Jimmie Johnson         1603
   03. Jeff Gordon            1581 
   04. Matt Kenseth           1517
   05. Tony Stewart           1449 
   06. Ryan Newman            1442
   07. Bobby Labonte          1430
   08. Kevin Harvick          1404
   09. Kurt Busch             1391
   10. Elliott Sadler         1377      
   
   13. Jamie McMurray         1249

McMurray's Bid into NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Falls Short - 22 May 2004

CONCORD, N.C., (May 22, 2004) --- After a dominating performance that saw NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray lead 20 of the 30 laps in the NEXTEL Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge crossed the finish line in third place. As a result of not winning the Open and not winning the fan vote, the night was over for McMurray and the Texaco/Havoline team.

"It's disappointing because I felt like our Texaco/Havoline Dodge was the best car out there in the Open," McMurray said. "The car just got really loose during the last 10-lap segment and I'm still amazed I was able to save it coming off the corner. It would have been fun to get the chance to run in the All-Star Challenge, so now we just need to go out and win a race so we'll be in the All-Star Challenge for next year."

After qualifying third, McMurray was able to avoid a multi-car accident on the opening lap of the NEXTEL Open that involved eight cars. As the cars came back around to the yellow flag, McMurray was shown as the leader.

Once the race restarted, McMurray pulled out to a commanding lead over the field and led the remaining laps in the 20-lap race. During the break between segments, McMurray headed for pit road and was serviced with four tires and fuel. He exited pit road in second place.

The final 10-lap shootout saw McMurray and teammate Sterling Marlin in a spirited battle for the lead. McMurray grabbed the lead from Marlin on lap 25 and looked to be poised to advance to the All-Star Challenge until his Texaco/Havoline Dodge broke loose coming out of the turn on the final lap. While McMurray was able to regain control of his machine, Marlin and Jeremy Mayfield shot past. When the checkered flag fell, McMurray crossed the finish line in third place.

Marlin advanced to the All-Star Challenge along with Ken Schrader, won was voted in by the fans.

As a result of McMurray leading 20 laps, he was able to raise $840 for his "Drive for a Cure" campaign for the Autism Society of America. With pledge matches from Chevron and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, a total of $2,520 was raised during the NEXTEL Open. So far in 2004, $17,640 has been raised for "Drive for a Cure."

Next up for the Texaco/Havoline team is the Coca-Cola 600 this Sunday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Photo: Getty Images/Allsport

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