Ryan Newman stretched his fuel for 106 laps and captured his 7th victory of the season in this afternoon’s MBNA America 400 at Dover International Speedway. Newman’s 8th career win moves him into a 4-way tie for 50th on the all-time win list with Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Kyle Petty. This is win #52 for Roger Penske (if you count the three for partner Michael Kranefuss). Newman’s sweeper at Dover (he’s the third this season) was not without controversy however. As the new NASCAR rule about racing back to the caution was brought into play, Ryan was certainly a beneficiary of that new edict. Getting his lap back more than halfway through the race, he proved not to be intimidated when Jeremy Mayfield tried to “rattle his cage” (remember that line?) in the waning laps and held on for the win. Sterling Marlin (13th) had his best finish since he was 10th at Pocono in July. Jeff Green (16th) had his best finish since he was 16th at Chicagoland in July. Jason Leffler (25th) had his best finish since he was 10th at Homestead in November of 2001 (only 10 races). STREAKIN… Matt Kenseth has 7 Top-10’s in the last 8 races. Ryan Newman has 6 Top-10’s in the last 7 races. Jeremy Mayfield has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races. Jamie McMurray has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races. Jimmie Johnson has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races. The Rookie Report: Jamie McMurray (6th) is the top-finishing first year driver for the 14th time this season. He was followed by Greg Biffle (7th), Tony Raines (30th) and Casey Mears (36th). Larry Foyt’s low owner point standing prevented him from making today’s field. This Week’s Elevator…UP: Operator of the Week is Jeff Green (+25), followed by Jeremy Mayfield (+23). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Dale Earnhardt Jr (-35), followed by Michael Waltrip (-32), Kurt Busch (-31), and Bobby Labonte (-23). It was first-time honors for both principals this season. We’ve got a new second place man in the points after today. Kevin Harvick has moved up to #2, but the “Magic Number” for Matt Kenseth vs Kevin is still at 10. If Matt finishes 10th or better the rest of the way (and he has 22 of those this season in 28 races) then Kevin can’t catch him. Our mathematically eliminated line has now moved up to 27th & below. Jeremy Mayfield (25th to 22nd) made the best move forward today. Four drivers fell two spots each.( Stock Car Fans Winston Cup Newsletter )(9-21-2003)
