Pocono 500 - Pocono Raceway

Jarrett Wins Poncono

Dale Jarrett

Dale Jarrett claimed his first win of the 2002 season, winning the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. Jarrett was able to take advantage of his teammate's misfortune, winning after Ricky Rudd had tire problems while leading. Jarrett won for the third time in his career at Pocono, his first time in the July race.The victory was the 29th series win of Jarrett's career. Mark Martin followed Jarrett to the checkered flag to score a runner-up finish. Rookie Jimmie Johnson came home in the third spot, while Sterling Marlin and Jeff Gordon finished in the top five. Marlin continues to hold a tight grip on the lead in the point standings, leading by 136 points over Johnson.

Wet Track Washes Out Friday Practice and Qualifying, Marlin Starts from Pole
Mother Nature and points leader Sterling Marlin were the only winners at Pocono Raceway Friday. The starting lineup for the Pocono 500 was determined by current NASCAR Winston Cup Series owner point standings after the 2.5-mile track seeped rainwater throughout the day. As a result, all on-track activity, including the two-lap qualifying session, was cancelled. Marlin will get to lead the field to the green flag for the first time this season, while rookie Jimmie Johnson starts from the second spot. Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, and Rusty Wallace round out the top-five starting spots.