Taking Failed to Qualify to a New High-Track Funk Race Recap

As you shake the funk off and get ready for some All Star action here is what you missed at Darlington. No one really expected to have their pre-race activities interrupted by the Jeremy Mayfield announcement. Speed graciously provided coverage as Fox was in the middle of a Tampa/Boston shut out. This was one of my favorite tracks and it did not disappoint! Mark Martin took the checkered flag, breaking a few of more records and potentially wrecking my fantasy league. Congratulations to Mark Martin and Alan Gustafson, who both have Daytona Beach ties.

And word to the person who thought that glitter was a good time in Victory Lane...it isn't, knock it off.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR.com

Darlington's Top Ten
1. #5 Mark Martin
2. #48 Jimmy Johnson
3. #14 Tony Stewart
4. #39 Ryan Newman
5. #24 Jeff Gordon
6. #1 Martin Truex Jr.
7. #25 Brad Keselowki
8. #16 Greg Biffle
9. #20 Joey Logano
10. #17 Matt Kenseth

There were 17 cautions (a new record at Darlington) and 23 lead changes among 13 leaders:

Lap Leaders

Matt Kenseth (1-16)
Jeff Gordon (17-22)
Jimmie Johnson (23-24)
Ryan Newman (25-71)
Kasey Kahne (72-82, 120, 162, 186)
Elliot Sadler (83-84)
Martin Truex Jr. (116-119, 217-249, 297-320)
Bobby Labonte (121-122)
Greg Biffle (123-161, 163-185, 187-215, 251-276)
Kyle Busch (216, 250)
Ryan Newman (277)
Joey Logano (278-296)
Tony Stewart (321)
Mark Martin (322-367)

Unofficial Standings, Results and a lap by lap recap are available at NASCAR.com. Stay tuned as NASCAR goes back to the boys home in Charlotte for two weeks! This week will bring some great All Star activities, kicking off Wednesday, May 13th with NASCAR Rev'd up featuring OAR.

If you haven't voted for the All Star race, might we suggest a couple for you? After last nights performance, to say Martin Truex Jr. is worthy of this race is an huge understatement. At the same time, Scott Riggs with Tommy Baldwin Racing need the money and the publicity that this race brings. So please vote and vote often! See you in Charlotte and Happy Mother's Day.