Food City 500

Winner: Jeff Burton

Recap: It was not meant to be for the Joe Gibbs Racing cars who as a team led the most laps and saw Kyle Busch spin out while leading the race, Tony Stewart being bumped into by Kevin Harvick after surrendering the lead to Denny Hamlin and Hamlin dropping back after bringing the cars to the green flap following a caution because his car was once again unable to pick up fuel. But JGR's trash was Richard Childress Racing's treasure as Jeff Burton stormed into victory lane with his teammates Harvick and Clint Bowyer dutifully following behind him in second and third place giving RCR their first ever 1-2-3 finish.

Race Results Points Standings Photos

Shout outs: Besides RCR's 1-2-3 finish, we have to give shout outs to Aric Amarola in the #8 car who in just his 7th ever Cup series start was able to keep his nose clean at Bristol Motor Speedway and bring his car in the 8th position, a difficult task for any driver especially one with so few starts.

Disappointments: That's the one word that sticks out for Joe Gibbs racing, disappointments. Tony Stewart lead the most laps, Kyle Busch was leading when he crashed and poor Denny Hamlin was two laps and one restart away from winning the race when his car was unable to pick up fuel and he drifted back to sixth place. This team has suffered more what-ifs this season from Daytona to Bristol than any other team but yet they still have two teams in the Chase including points leader Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin is knocking at the door in 15th. It's still early but that doesn't mean this missed opportunities don't sting for the team.

Goodbyes: Sunday was the final race in the legendary career of Dale Jarrett. Jarrett, a three time Daytona 500 winner and 1999 Nascar Cup Series Champion will be missed racing side by side with his competitors on the track but luckily for his fans he won't be retiring to a rocking chair on the porch of his home but rather will move into the booth calling races for ESPN. Good luck Dale, but we certianly will miss see you taking the wheel on Sundays.

Next Race: March 30th @ Martinsville

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate