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.

Track Funk Race Recap

As you shake off the track funk from Richmond and head to Darlington (Darlynn-ton!), here is what you missed if you chose to drink one too many Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby before watching the race.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR.com

It's getting hard for even the most cynical fan to hate Kyle Busch as he wins the 2009 Crown Royal Presents The Russ Friedman 400 at Richmond International Raceway. This is his 3rd win of 2009 and the 15th of his career. He makes the records book as the youngest driver ever to reach 15 Cup wins, claiming this honor on his 24th birthday. Kyle also swept the weekend by winning the Nationwide Series Race on Friday Night.The rest of the top 10 shakes out like this:

#14 - Tony Stewart
#31 - Jeff Burton
#39 - Ryan Newman
#5 - Mark Martin
#77 - Sam Hornish Jr.
#26 - Jamie McMurray
#24 - Jeff Gordon
#07 - Casey Mears
#42 - Juan Pablo Montoya

There were 15 cautions, tying the caution record at Richmond. There were 21 lead changes among 8 leaders:

Lap Leaders
Brian Vickers (1-16, 8-22)
Jeff Gordon (7, 23-72, 97-98, 309-351)
Denny Hamlin (73-95, 101-116, 124-144,152-213, 249-274)
Kurt Busch (96, 145-151)
Ryan Newman (99-100, 236-248, 275-299,303-307)
Clint Bowyer (117-123)
Martin Truex Jr. (214-235)
Kyle Busch (300-302, 308, 352-400)

Unofficial Standings, Results and a lap by lap recap are available at NASCAR.com. Stay tuned next week as Kyle Busch will try to make two-fer by defending his trophy at the Southern 500 presented by Go Daddy in Darlington. The race takes place Saturday, May 9th and will be broadcasted on Fox going green at 7:35pm.