SONOMA, Calif. (June 22, 2008) – A late-race accident with only six laps remaining put an end to what promised to be a strong run for road racing specialist Ron Fellows and the No. 01 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Race Team. Running in sixth position on lap 104 of 110, Fellows found himself the victim when he was unable to avoid a multi-car accident after the No. 29 car of Kevin Harvick lost control going into the turn just after the restart. Fellows and the team were still able to finish the race on the lead lap in 29th position.
“I just can’t believe that happened,” said Fellows after the race. “It’s really ridiculously unlucky. The No. 29 car made contact with the No. 26 and I was not able to slow enough to get to the inside. I tried to go around the outside and I thought I had him cleared, but the 26 rolled back and I could not avoid the contact.
“These guys on this No. 01 DEI Team deserve a lot better,” added Fellows. “It’s a pleasure to get back in a Dale Earnhardt Inc. car and I have to thank everyone at DEI for the opportunity. I’m just sorry that we were not able to give everyone at DEI and Principal the finish they really deserved for this effort today.”
Having run a smooth and patient race throughout, Fellows had his No. 01 Principal Financial Chevrolet running in sixth place as the field went green with only six laps remaining. Harvick dove too deep in the corner and lost control of his No. 29 Chevy. The result was a chain reaction multi-car accident. Fellows attempted to maneuver around the outside and appeared to have cleared the incident, before being clipped by the No. 26 car of Jamie McMurray.
The road course veteran started the race 22nd. He patiently bided his time through traffic, breaking into the top 10 on lap 68, where he would run the remainder of the race until being taken out on lap 106.
The team remained in 30th in the Sprint Cup Owner points, 55 points ahead of 36th.
The No. 01 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Racing Team will return to action next week at New Hampshire International Speedway, with rookie Regan Smith back at the wheel.
From Kevin Woods // DEI
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