 |
DALE EARNHARDT JR. NO. 88 AMP ENERGY/NATIONAL GUARD CHEVROLET POST-RACE RECAP/CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY DATE: Oct. 16, 2010 START: Eighth FINISH: 29th POINTS POSITION: 19th RECAPPING THE RACE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran as high as seventh during Saturday's Bank of America 500 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, but after an early pit strategy didn't pay off, the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet finished 29th. Earnhardt opened the weekend on a strong note, posting the eighth-fastest lap time during qualifying on Thursday. When the green flag dropped, Earnhardt maintained his position inside the top 10. He was scored in the ninth position when the evening's second caution flag was displayed on Lap 23. Earnhardt followed the leaders down pit road, and crew chief Lance McGrew made the call for four fresh tires during the routine pit stop. A majority of the field opted for two tires instead, and Earnhardt restarted the event 20th on Lap 28. Earnhardt stayed inside the top 20 during the subsequent run until the third caution period on Lap 34. Earnhardt gave up the 19th position and made his way down pit road for right-side tires and a chassis adjustment. Several cars opted not to pit during the caution period and Earnhardt was shown 29th during the Lap 37 restart. Earnhardt maintained his footing inside the top 30 but track position was at a premium, and the team struggled to gain ground during the long green-flag stretch in the middle stages of the race. The evening's final caution flag was displayed on Lap 310 with Earnhardt running 32nd. He made his way down pit road four tires and fuel. Earnhardt restated 32nd for a 21-lap showdown and was able to pick up three positions to cross the finish line 29th. ***** Courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports. Media Relations | No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Racing ***** Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Official Site - www.dalejr.com |
|