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closeEarnhardt Jr. runs well early, blows engine late
JIM UTTER
The Charlotte Observer
Sunday, Jul. 29, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS - Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s fortunes took a wild turn in Sunday's Allstate 400.
He appeared to have a car capable of winning the race and even led 33 laps. But late in the race, while running in the top-five, Earnhardt Jr. saw his engine blow up.
He ended up finishing 34th and saw his claim to the 12th and final spot in the Chase for the Nextel Cup grow even more precarious. With six races before the cut-off to set the Chase field, Earnhardt Jr. is only 13 points ahead of Kurt Busch, who is in 13th.
Ryan Newman, who was 13th entering Sunday's race, was poised to capitalize but got wrecked early and now sits 14th, 46 behind Busch.
“I’m really proud of the engine shop. That was a good one before it went,” Earnhardt Jr. said.
“We need the same power the rest of the year. You just have to take chances when you’re trying to stay in the Chase.
“We can do way better than that, but that is definitely the best car (I’ve had here). We’ve had some pretty bad ones at this place.”
| TRACK FACTS Date Opened: August 19, 1909 First NWCS Race: Brickyard 400, August 6, 1994 Qualifying Record: Casey Mears, 186.293 mph (48.311 sec.), 8/7/04 Race Record: Bobby Labonte, 155.912 mph, 8/5/00 Owner/Chairman: Hulman-George Family, Hulman & Co., Terre Haute President/CEO: Anton H. George Phone: (317) 481-8500 Tickets: (317) 481-8500 Shipping Address: 4790 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN 46222 Mailing Address: PO Box 24152 Speedway, IN 46224 |
TRACK CONFIGURATION Distance: 2.5 Mile Oval Banking in Turns 1-4: 9° Banking on Straights: 0° Length of Frontstretch: 5/8 mile Length of Backstretch: 5/8 mile Short Straightaways: 1/8 mile ea. Grandstand Seating: 250,000+ Miles/Laps: 400 mi. = 160 laps |