UAW-GM Quality 500 - Lowe's Motor Speedway

WOW! McMurray Wins at Charlotte
Simply amazing! Jamie McMurray, subbing for injured Sterling Marlin, surprised everyone on Sunday night, winning the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in only his second Winston Cup start. McMurray, who will not even officially become a rookie until next season, won his first race faster than anyone else in the modern era. McMurray led the most laps on the day, leading four times for 96 of the event’s 334 laps. He took the lead for the final time on lap 304 and held off Bobby Labonte by .35 seconds to take the win. Point’s leader Tony Stewart finished behind his teammate in the third position and extended his advantage in the standings to 97 points over Jimmie Johnson. Rounding out the top five in the finishing order were Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace.

Rain Gives Stewart Charlotte Pole
For the second consecutive week, rain has caused the cancellation of Winston Cup qualifying. On Thursday evening, rain showers caused qualifying at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to be postponed until 8:00 am on Friday morning. Rain was still a factor on Friday and the field for the UAW-GM Quality 500 was set via the NASCAR rule book. Therefore, new point’s leader Tony Stewart will start from the pole position. For Stewart it will be his third top-starting spot of the season. Mark Martin will start from the second position, followed by rookies Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman in row two. 18 drivers made qualifying attempts on Thursday night with Jerry Nadeau topping the charts with a lap at 184.666 mph; subsequently Nadeau will now start 39th in the field.