Johnson Wins Budweiser Shootout Under the Lights
Jimmie Johnson took the checkered flag for Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout, the 2005 season-opening exhibition race at the historic Daytona International Speedway. Johnson, who won the Bud pole at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last season to earn a spot in this event, took the lead for the first, and only, time with 16 laps remaining. Johnson was then able to hold off the pack and claim his first career restrictor-plate win by .199 seconds over Ryan Newman. Newman’s gamble on a two-tire pit almost paid off but came up a little short at the end. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart finished third and fourth respectively. Gregg Biffle, who dominated the early going, taking the lead on lap number two and holding off all challengers until he made a pit stop on lap 45, ended up settling for a fifth-place finish. The made-for-TV event featured zero caution flags and five lead changes among six drivers.
Jarrett Draws Pole for Budweiser Shootout at Daytona
Dale Jarrett will start on the pole for the 27th running of the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona after drawing the top position at the Budweiser Shootout Qualifying Draw Party Thursday night at Daytona International Speedway.
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