Todd Bodine claimed a championship in the 1,852nd start by himself and brothers Geoffrey and Brett. Despite 55 wins and combined winnings of nearly $49 million, the trio had come close to – but never won – a national title.
“For what this family’s gone through it’s very special for us,” said the champion. “I told my mom (on the cell phone, ‘we finally did it!’ It’s the first time a family member has done something so important.”
Bodine admitted it was difficult racing for points after winning the Ford 200 in 2003 and three times in the series this season. “It’s a shame to have to race that way but we did what we had to do,” he said.
Bodine led the points for a record 21 consecutive races in 2006. His log shows three wins, 12 top fives and 16 top-10 finishes. The $13,990 he won Friday night boosted his season winnings to more than $600,000.
He’ll add considerably to the total on Dec. 10 when he receives his championship trophy and other season-ending bonuses at the Champions Banquet at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, Fla. Bodine is the series’ seventh different champion in the past nine seasons.(NASCAR PR)(11-18-2006)
