The #88 UPS Racing Team started the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway a leg down to the competition as a result of an inspection penalty prior to the start of the event. As a result, Dale Jarrett and the #88 UPS Ford Fusion finished the night a lap down in 21st place - the team's first finish outside the top-20 in the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.
Jarrett, who had qualified for the Crown Royal 400 in 26th place, was forced to start from the rear of the field after NASCAR officials found an unapproved part/device on the UPS Ford Fusion during pre-race inspection. After starting 43rd, Jarrett patiently worked his way through the field into the top 30, making a couple of pit stops along the way so the team could make major adjustments on the car.
Jarrett climbed as high as 21st in the running order. The UPS Ford was persistently tight through the corners all night, and Jarrett eventually lost a lap to the leaders on lap 177 while running in the 24th position.
"It's the same problem every week," Jarrett said of the handling problems on the UPS Ford Fusion. "I think we were pretty fortunate to finish where we did but that's the way it's been all season. We're really behind the ball right now and need to hit on whatever it is we're missing or it is going to make for a long season."
Jarrett's teammate Elliott Sadler started the race from deep in the field as well. After starting 37th, Sadler was able to make some progress through the race. Like his teammate, Sadler also lost a lap to the lead lap cars around the halfway point of the race, but found himself in the fortunate position of being the first car one lap down when the seventh caution flag waved for an incident on lap 260. Awarded the free pass to get back on the lead lap, Sadler made the most of the evening, finishing the night in 13th place.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., raced to the win in Richmond, his first of the 2006 NASCAR season. Jimmie Johnson continues to lead the point standings, holding a 55-point lead over Tony Stewart. Jarrett and Sadler each dropped a position in the point standings - Jarrett to 11th and Sadler to 14th. Jarrett is two points behind Casey Mears who is now 10th in the standings.
Darlington Raceway plays host to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series during Mother's Day weekend next week. FOX is providing live television coverage of the Dodge Charger 500 that is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT. Pre-race coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
