Darlington's past, David Pearson and present, Carl Edwards
Can you believe "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett won the 1965 Southern 500 by fourteen laps? When's the last time a driver won with the rest of the field just one lap down?
Darlington history will be in the air tonight as the Sprint Cup racers start their engines to enter competition. As recently as 2004, a true Darlington moment for the ages played out as Kurt Busch and and Ricky Craven slammed fenders approaching victory lane with Ricky Craven holding on by a microsecond to win the hotly contested race.
Tonight’s Southern 500 at Darlington, South Carolina is one of Sprint Cup’s true milestone races of the series. As the circuit’s oldest superspeedway and one of the toughest tracks, one of the most difficult tests of driver skill and patience, this event provides some of the most competitive, most exciting events of the season. Sadly, being a rural, old track, IMS, its ownership group, moved one of its dates to accommodate two races a year at Fontana, California, a move that has failed to produce the expected following among the Hollywood “beautiful” people. The name “Southern 500” invokes NASCAR history and the sport’s Dixie roots. Into the 1990’s, the Southern 500, was part of the Winston Million, the NASCAR grand slam event of four races, that if a driver won three of four would pocket a quick million bucks.
Matt Kenseth, winner of last night’s Nationwide competition sits on the pole, a much needed boost for his team which has had many setbacks since winning the first two races of the season. His triumph also speaks well for the Ford racers who’ve struggled the last few weeks. Roush teammates, Carl Edwards, 9th, and Greg Biffle, 11th also qualified in the top 12 with the balance of the Roush team all checking in within the top 20, David Ragan, 15th and Jamie McMurray 20th. Other Ford drivers are not so fortunate with Hall of Fame racing’s former champion, Bobby Labonte checking in at 27th, and Yates entry, Paul Menard in a distant 40th.
Points leader, Jeff Gordon, owner of seven Darlington wins, sixteen top fives, and an average 12.3 starting position sits on the outside pole topping team Hendricks assault on victory lane. Mark Martin secured 12th spot, but the fate for the rest of the team was not so fortunate. Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in with a lackluster 26th position. Part time entry, Brad Kesolowski, this week appearing in one of his scheduled races for Hendricks, starts in 32nd. The rear horror and greatest failure in the qualifying order is current three time champ, Jimmie Johnson, who wrecked in his qualifying attempt, buried in 42nd.
Ryan Newman starts in third as Stewart-Haas racing continues to force its effort into champion competition while the boss himself, Tony Stewart starts in 18th.
The next two starters could well be the biggest story of qualifying. Young rookie, Joey Logono is finally beginning to show his ability to compete at the highest level nailing down 5th spot. Just ahead of him is former Indy 500 champ, Sam Hornish Jr. who continues to become a true Sprint Cup competitor in 4th spot.
Rounding out the top 12, Jeff Burton starts in 6th for Richard Childress racing. Kasey Kahne provides a bright spot for Richard Petty racing in 7th. Kurt Busch secured 8th for Roger Penske as the second top ten entry in 8th. Another bright surprise for a team looking for success is Marcos Ambrose nailing down 10th spot in the Bush’s Baked Beans, Kingsford Charcoal, and Clorox sponsored Toyota. We guess only Clorox can clean up the results of a barbeque with hefty servings of meaty-treaties cooked with Kingsford charcoal served with some nice enhanced Bush’s baked beans. Hmm, yummy, but the Clorox products might come in handy for the aftermath given that team Budweiser and Miller Lite are also just above them in the standings.
Fans beware, don’t get your heart set on high hopes for your driver tonight. This old lady breaks hearts and twists metal with no favoritism even for those who have charmed her to reach victory lane in past events. Sometimes, granny Darlington is kind to newcomers. Could someone like Joey Logono, Sam Hornish, or Marcos Ambrose join the legends of NASCAR history with a Southern 500 win?
We’d keep an eye on Jeff Burton. He’s the master of protecting his equipment and having plenty left for the end of the race to be ready to sprint for the checkered flag at the race’s end.
Buckle up and get ready for the action to begin, and to quote that Great British Philosopher, Sir Elton John, “Saturday night’s alright for fighting.”
Bring it on!!!!
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