Johnson fastest at Lowes on Tuesday: #48-Jimmie Johnson posted a lap at unofficial 181.512 mph in the Lowe’s Home Improvement Chevy, claiming the top spot on the speed chart as 18 teams prepared for The Winston on May 18 and the May 26 Coca-Cola 600. Dave Blaney was second fastest in the Jasper Engines Ford at 179.820mph, but his night ended in a shower of sparks against the turn two wall when he cut a right-front tire. #57-Darrell Lannigan looped the #57 Ford coming off turn four early in the evening Winston Cup session, but did not make contact and #85-Carl Long spun and backed into the wall (per ThatsRacin.com). Top unofficial speeds NASCAR Winston Cup Series: #48-Jimmie Johnson, 181.512 #77-Dave Blaney, 179.820 #31-Robby Gordon, 179.223 #28-Ricky Rudd, 177.281 #6-Mark Martin, 177.049 #9-Bill Elliott, 176.182 #90-Rick Mast, 175.953 #55-Bobby Hamilton, 175.610 #19-Jeremy Mayfield, 175.496 #60-Jack Sprague, 175.325. (LMS PR)(5-8-2002)
