Kenseth Almost Pulls Off the Remarkable at Bristol

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 24) - It's never been done before at Bristol, but Matt Kenseth almost pulled it off in the Visine Chevrolet last night in the Food City 250 NASCAR Busch Series event. He almost won the event from the back of the pack.

Kenseth started 42nd because Clay Rogers qualified the Visine Chevrolet, and by the restart on lap 35, he was battling for the lead from second place. Unfortunately, that battle for the lead led to a DNF as race-leader Steve Park pinched Kenseth off trying to repel the surging Chevrolet in his rear view mirror.

As Kenseth bobbled from the bump, he said Ron Hornaday, running third, banged into him a couple of times, attempting to take advantage. That's when Kenseth lost control and crashed.

"I was all the way up to Steve Park's door, and he just cut me off trying to protect the lead," Kenseth said. "Then Hornaday came in and hit me several times. I guess it's just one of things that happens.

"The Visine car ran really good tonight. I'm really proud of our guys. We had a great run going. It just wasn't to be, I guess."

The No. 17 Visine Chevrolet suffered heavy front-end damage, including a broken radiator, and the result abruptly ended an evening of great racing for Kenseth.

Yet, the young driver made a magnificent effort with smooth moves and quickly surged forward in his powerful race car. His progress continued steadily, and by the 95th lap of the 250-lap event, Kenseth had moved into the top 10, earning the sixth position.

Having to pit on the backstretch, he fell to 16th place after a very good pit stop by the Visine crew at the 100-lap mark, but the car was so strong he rallied toward the front again, remaining patient until he could make the moves to successfully pass other cars.

Steadily picking off positions, Kenseth was back in sixth place by lap 182. When the seventh caution came out, several of the lead cars opted to make pit stops for fresh tires. On a gusty call from Visine crew chief Russ Strupp, Kenseth remained on the track and took over the second position.

Then came the late-race incident when he made his bold move for the front spot that quickly brought his evening to an end.

A very disappointed Kenseth was credited with completing 216 of the 250 laps and finished 30th.