You certainly can’t say it came as a surprise…. Kasey Kahne bagged his first-ever Nextel Cup victory tonight at Richmond International Raceway as he bested Tony Stewart by 1.67 seconds to record the win in the Chevy American Revolution 400. In a race that the top-two dominated (they led 385 of the 400 laps), Kasey becomes the second first-timer of the season (Carl Edwards won at Atlanta) and gets his initial win after being the bridesmaid six times.
Kasey is the 7th different winner this season, and the victory puts him in next week’s Nextel All-Star Challenge. Oh yeah, it was worth $257,325 as well.
Ryan Newman (3rd) had his best finish since he was runner-up at Phoenix last November.
Kyle Busch (4th) had his best finish since he was 2nd at Las Vegas in March.
Scott Wimmer (20th) had his best finish since he was 20th at Atlanta in March.
STREAKIN….
Tony Stewart has 3 Top-10’s in a row.
Michael Waltrip has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races.
Jamie McMurray has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races.
The Rookie Report: Kyle Busch (4th) is the Rookie of the Race for the 7th time this season. Travis Kvapil was 22nd and Stanton Barrett did not compete this weekend.
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Bobby Labonte (+31). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Johnny Sauter (-28 ). Slim pickins’ this week in the “Shaft” as the Top-7 finishers all started inside the Top-10.
Jimmie Johnson took a big hit in the points tonight. The lead that was 127 last week is now just 41 over new second place runner Greg Biffle. JJ’s early exit also brings four more drivers under the “Stayin’ Alive” line as we’ve got 19 drivers in the “Chase” with 15 races to go. Kyle Busch (27th to 22nd) gained the most spots tonight and Mark Martin (6th to 10th) fell the most positions. No change in the exempt list as Jason Leffler is now 32 markers out of the Top-35.(Stock Car Fans)(5-14-2005)
