Earnhardt Jr and Pit Road: #8-Dale Earnhardt had moved up to second place before his right-front tire blew and he hit the wall on Turn 2 of the 22nd lap. During the caution – the race’s first – he went to the pits twice to get a new tire and repair the damage to the front-right side of his car. That trouble sent him back to 35th place. But by Lap 80, he had moved back up to second place. Five laps later, his right-rear tire blew and his car careened out of control through the infield. There were more stunts to come during the next few laps. He lost his right-front fender. He also lost his brakes and slid past his pit box, nearly hitting a track official. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said, “there will be a discussion” as to whether Earnhardt will be penalized for his pit escapade.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)
