Race 2 Win: NEXTEL Cup Series Race Notes

Nextel Cup Series

Michael Waltrip finished 15th in his No. 55 NAPA Camry after starting 43rd. The finish is Waltrip's second top-15 finish of the season.

The No. 83 Red Bull Camry of Brian Vickers finished 16th after starting 23rd.

David Reutimann finished 18th in the No. 00 Domino's Camry after starting 13th. The finish is Reutimann's third top- 20 NNCS finish this season.

Camry drivers have led a total of 142 laps across 12 races in Nextel Cup events this season. Brian Vickers has led the most of the Camry contingent with 98 laps over six races (Atlanta, Bristol, Texas, Charlotte, Michigan and California). Blaney has led 35 laps over four races (Atlanta, Richmond, Darlington and New Hampshire). Mayfield has led six laps over three races (Bristol, Charlotte and Watkins Glen). Waltrip led one lap at Michigan (June) and one lap today at Dover. Reutimann led one lap at California (September).

Blaney earned the first NNCS pole for Toyota at New Hampshire International Speedway (June).

Seven top-10 finishes have been earned by Toyota Camrys this season. In addition to Vickers' fifth-place finish in Charlotte, he finished 10th at California Speedway (February), eighth at Michigan International Speedway (August) and eighth at California Speedway (September). Other top-10s have been registered by Michael Waltrip, who finished 10th at Michigan International Speedway in June, and Dave Blaney, who finished ninth at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July and sixth at Michigan International Speedway (August).

MICHAEL WALTRIP, No. 55 NAPA Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing
Finished: 15th
How was your car today?
"We had a lot of promise early in the race -- we were really running fast. Then we had a power steering issue -- then we had handling issues. I really don't know which had to do with which -- I know the power steering was a big issue because that makes you drive the car weird and maybe I didn't adjust right for that. All in all we were competitive all day and fast early so we can take this, be positive and have a good feeling about what we did here today. We weren't very good here in the spring so this is a great improvement for us here at Dover."

What does this finish do for your confidence or outlook heading into next weekend?
"We had gotten ourselves in a bind as far as the points because if it had rained out qualifying then we wouldn't have been in the race here this weekend. Now we have ourselves back in so if it rains in Kansas next weekend -- we'll race. That's real important because we have to make sure we have a spot in the show should it rain -- we have to be able to race to be able to get better."

BRIAN VICKERS, No. 83 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Team Red Bull
Finished: 16th
How was your car today?
"We weren't nearly as good today as we needed to be, but that seems to be the case every time we race the Car of Tomorrow (COT). Our COT program just needs so much work. We struggled with a loose car all day and no matter how many changes we made, we still couldn't get the car right and we just couldn't find the speed we needed. We didn't have a top-20 car, but we got lucky with so many cars getting knocked out because of the wrecks, that we ended up finishing 16th. But hey, we'll take it."

DAVID REUTIMANN, No. 00 Domino's Pizza Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing
Finished: 18th
How was your race today?
"We could never get the handling the way we wanted it. I think Frank (Kerr) and the guys made almost every adjustment you can. It was loose one run, and then tight the next - it just would not handle in the corners. This is an okay finish -- I think we survived the battle of attrition more than anything. I really thought we had a good chance of finishing in the top-10, but it didn't happen. I'm still proud of the team - they continue to work hard and deserve finishes in the top-10."

DALE JARRETT, No. 44 UPS Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing
Finished: 41st
What happened that took you out of the race?
"I think we burned a piston. We lost power the first time because we had a power steering line that came loose so we lost power steering. It all just compounded and made everything worse. I'm sure it tore the piston up and then it blew."

RICKY VIERS, Crew Chief, No. 84 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Team Red Bull
Finished: 43rd
What happened that took you out of the race?
"We felt like we had a good opportunity today to make up some points and gain a position or two. It was important to get a good finish so we could stay in the top-43 in owners points, which guarantees us a spot in the race in case qualifying is ever rained out. If we could have finished 27th or better, we would have passed the No. 36 car in points. Today was just one of those days. On the start we lost the motor, so we will just have to go back to the shop and figure out what happened and hope we have better luck next week."