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Rick Hendrick's team members prove themselves in first outing. 
Rick Hendrick watched from his home in Charlotte as his three car team fought all day to end up in front. The persistence of his drivers paid off, and Hendrick finds himself the only car owner to ever have his drivers all finish in the top three of the Daytona 500. Jeff Gordon led the threesome across the finish line under caution. He led the race early, passing Ernie Irvan to lead several laps. He was then able to overcome misfortune to regain the lead. On lap 111, Jeff Gordon cut a tire and slid up the track in turn two. He was able to keep the car off the wall and get to pit road. Pitting under green left him fighting to stay in front of Mark Martin and on the lead lap. Gordon's strong car allowed him to stay out front long enough for another caution flag. Gordon then drove through the field to return to the lead on lap 194. His strong pass of Bill Elliott allowed his teammates to follow him to the point, just in time. Two laps later a massive crash off of turn 4 caused the remainder of the race to be run under caution. Gordon wasn't the only team member to struggle all day. Ricky Craven, the new kid on the team, started in 40th position courtesy of the provisional earned by Ken Schrader's performance last year. He was able to proceed through the field at a rapid pace. Then, he would get out of the draft or let off the gas, and drift back into the pack. He battled back and forth all day, only to come from nowhere to the front at the end of the race. 
Terry Labonte proved his consistent habits throughout the day as he lingered in the top ten just waiting for the opportunity to move to the front. He did falter due to a toe-in problem. Under caution, he was forced to pit twice, but made quickly made up ground on the race track. As Gordon pulled into Victory Lane, he was handed a cellular phone to thank his owner, Rick Hendrick. Jeff dedicated the victory to his friend and boss, in hopes that he is able to overcome his battle with cancer. Terry and Ricky also acknowledged their owner and wished him well. Despite not being at the track the entire week, Rick Hendrick's spirit was strong enough to push his drivers to the front. It looks to be a good year for Hendrick's team. Let's hope he has similar fortune in his personal life. |
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