Jimmie Johnson took command late, survived a green/white/checker finish (though we finished under yellow), and led the final 17 laps to take his first ever Daytona 507.5 today at Daytona International Speedway. This was win #19 for Johnson (he’s now tied with Davey Allison, Buddy Baker, and Fonty Flock for 31st on the all-time list), the 6th for Hendrick Motorsports in the 500, and the 141st overall for HMS. JJ’s share of the over $18M in posted awards was a cool $1,505,124.
Casey Mears (2nd) had his career-best finish today. His previous best was 4th, and he’s done that three times….at both Texas races last year and at Watkins Glen in August of 2004. He was the only other driver to top $1M in earnings today at $1,095,766 (and who was it that put him in the “field-filler” category just a couple weeks ago?).
Elliott Sadler (4th) had his best finish since he was runner-up at Bristol last April.
Clint Bowyer( 6th) had his career-best finish today. He was 22nd in April at Phoenix in his only other NEXTEL Cup start.
Ken Schrader (9th) had his best finish since he was 9th at Lowe’s in May.
Kasey Kahne (11th) had his best finish since he was 8th at Richmond in September.
Kirk Shelmerdine (20th….and we’re doing handstands!) had his career-best finish today. His previous best was 26th at Talladega in May of 1994 (!!!) and his take today was a sweet $272,008.
David Stremme (28th) had his best finish since he was 16th at Chicagoland last July (only 4 races).
STREAKIN….Tony Stewart has 5 Top-10’s in the last 6 races.
The Rookie Report: In what could be the deepest rookie class ever, Clint Bowyer (6th) takes the point early. He was followed today by Martin Truex Jr (16th), Brent Sherman (21st), David Stremme (28th), Reed Sorenson (29th), Denny Hamlin (30th), and J. J. Yeley (41st).
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Clint Bowyer (+31), followed by Brian Vickers (+28 ), Terry Labonte (+26), and Kirk Shelmerdine (+22). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Carl Edwards (-38 ), followed by Jeff Burton (-31), Jamie McMurray (-31), Bobby Labonte (-27), Kyle Petty (-27), Kurt Busch (-25), Jeff Gordon (-24), and Jeff Green (-21). A good chunk of the field was involved in the “Shaft” this week.(from Stockcarfans.com)(2-19-2006)
