Drop Of The Green
Michael Waltrip got a jump on the start and lead the first lap from the pole in his Toyota Camry. After that we had a new leader just about every lap until Dale Earnhardt Jr. got to the lead on lap seven. Junior's new Hendrick Motorsports #88 lead the inside line and pulled them into single-file order.
Shortly before the lap 20 break Bill Elliott cut a tire and brought out the caution. The cars road around under caution until the ten minute break with Dale Earnhardt Jr. still in the lead.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Continued to Dominate
The second segment started much the same. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was still out front with much of the field single-file behind him. Carl Edwards took over the lead for one lap but Dale Jr. got a strong run and blew back past him to regain the lead.
Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. made up the front row when the final green flag flew with just three laps to go. Earnhardt and Stewart stayed side-by-side for a lap but Junior was solidly out front as they took the white flag.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. had been fast all night long and he used it all when it mattered to roll home for the comfortable 2008 Budweiser Shootout victory.
One of the biggest questions of the off-season was just how good Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be with his new Hendrick Motorsports team. He certainly is off to a good start.
The Top Five:
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Tony Stewart
- Jimmie Johnson
- Jeff Gordon
- Reed Sorenson
Next Up
Qualifying for the 50th Daytona 500 is tomorrow. That will lock in the front row and set the starting lineups for Thursday's Gatorade Duel qualifying races. All of this week's Daytona activity leads us into next Sunday's Great American Race, the 2008 Daytona 500.
