While Truex set records in his dominating win at Charlotte in the Coca-Cola 600 in May, he’s led over 100 laps in three other races without notching another victory until Sunday night.
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Truex pulled up to the inside wall to greet his crew after the win, then taking off for some celebration donuts at the track “Too Tough To Tame”.
When all track activity was washed out on Friday, the starting field for the race was set according to owner points, and the top 10 starters in the field, from pole sitter Kevin Harvick through 10th-place Matt Kenseth, all have at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory this season.
On the second one, with 85 to go, he went in leading and came out in 12th after a 16.6-second stop. He battled back but could not catch Truex. Daniel Suarez was third and Kyle Larson, last week’s Sprint Cup victor at MI, was fourth.
Truex moved past leader Newman on Lap 339 to take the lead and stayed in front on a final restart to win another of what was once considered one of NASCAR’s most-prized races.
“This is unbelieveable”, Truex said. “I always loved this race track”, Truex said. “It was frustrating to lead laps here and let a few slip away”. Apparently he got mad at me. Regan Smith won for the organization in 2011.
Im definitely disappointed we couldnt qualify, Buescher said.
Crew chief Cole Pearn said winning two crown jewel races in a season is something special, but the team’s focus is on the championship Chase that starts at Chicagoland Speedway in two weeks.
“We have championship cars and we’re just mediocre on pit road”. So the odds say a driver who already has won this year will take the checkered flag on Sunday night. (7) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 367. 5.
COLUMBIA, S.C. Joey Logano hung pictures and changed lightbulbs at home. Edwards is the defending champion of this race and looks to continue that success this weekend.
As of now, three drivers would make the Chase on points – Elliott (+24), Dillon (+17) and McMurray (+7) on Newman (-7).
Brad Keselowski will line up next to Harvick, with Carl Edwards in third and fourth, respectively, behind the front-row starters.
My favorite throwback paint scheme of the weekend will be on the Ford driven by Ryan Blaney. Jamie McMurray tinkered around with his radio controlled vehicle.
Buescher will start 31st on Sunday and knows he wouldve begun much higher if qualifying had gone on before Hermines interference. Edwards should have that auto, now a Toyota sponsored by Arris, running up front at Darlington this weekend.
When Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola tangled shortly thereafter, destroying Almirola’s attractive No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports throwback vehicle, Harvick caught a break. (26) Aric Almirola, Ford, Accident, 346. 33.
Shortly after the restart, Jimmie Johnson spun. (4) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, Accident, 326. 35.
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Tony Stewart is my long shot pick this weekend. (23) Greg Biffle, Ford, Accident, 295. 37.
