Bowyer’s Big Risk Pays Off, Wins First Chase Race
Loudon, NH — Clint Bowyer surged from twelfth to second in the points standings after winning a racy and risky SYLVANIA 300. Fuel mileage was everything in the end when leader Tony Stewart came up empty at the white flag, allowing Bowyer to steal the first race in the “Chase for the Sprint Cup.”
Bowyer was strong right from the start. He led the most laps in taking his No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet to victory lane where he picked up not only the checkered flag but a 16lb New England lobster!
Confidence paid off when the team had to make a risky decision on whether to conserve fuel in the closing laps. Bowyer saved just enough fuel to cross the “Granite Stripe.”
[Photo Gallery] by Nathan Teto
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
“Going into this race, I had such a huge confidence level in our race team,” said Bowyer. “Everyone had a little extra pep in their step and for me the key to my success is having fun. I know if we are having fun we are going to do well.”
Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota, raced back to a second place finish after a spin on lap 215 to keep his top slot in the Chase. Hamlin now sits 35 points ahead of Bowyer.
“This is definitely one of the toughest tracks to restart on, so overall I was pretty surprised at the outcome we had,” said Hamlin. “I would have loved to have won but I’ll take how we fought back.”
Third place Jamie McMurray secured one of his best finishes at “The Magic Mile,” behind the wheel of his No. 1 McDonalds Chevrolet after an excellent weekend.
“Statistically this is one of my worst tracks. So it was really good to have a solid weekend here,” said McMurray.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. also had a stellar day, battling back from a 32nd starting position to a solid fourth place finish.
Sources: Kristen Costa/NHMS PR
Top 5 Finishers
1. Clint Bowyer, No. 33 Cheerios/ Hamburger Helper Chevrolet
2. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 FedEx Toyota
3. Jamie McMurray, No. 1 McDonald’s Chevrolet
4. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., No. 88 AMP Energy/ National Guard Chevrolet
5. Kevin Harvick, No. 29 Shell/ Pennzoil Chevrolet