Mark and the U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. Team went with a
two-tire strategy for the last 25-lap segment in Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s
Motor Speedway. The strategy backfired, as Mark’s No. 8 Chevy Impala SS became too loose during the
final run and the end result was a ninth-place finish.
“We had a really good car tonight,” said Mark, who ran as high as fifth. “We got a little too
loose there at the end and fell back, but I liked the way the car handled. We had good power all
night and I’m excited about bringing the U.S. Army Chevy back here next week for the Coca-Cola 600.
“Tony Gibson (crew chief) and the guys on this Army team continue to work with these cars and we
get better each week. Again, we are looking forward to coming back next week and seeing what we
have. We want to have a great showing in the soldiers' car for the Memorial Day weekend race.”
Mark started the race 13th and moved inside the top 10 by Lap 12. The race was divided into four
25-lap segments and Mark closed out the first segment in seventh position. He moved up to fifth
by lap 51 and finished the third segment in the same position.
Kasey Kahne, who opted to stay out on old tires for the final 25-lap segment, won the event
and the $1 million first-place prize money. Kahne was voted into the All-Star Race by the fans.
Mark had a close call in the waning laps, getting loose on the inside to the No. 20 car of Tony
Stewart. Mark was however able to save his car and hold on for the finish.
The Army team will look to build momentum as the series returns to Lowe’s Motor Speedway next week
(May 25) for the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race of the year. Mark won the Coke 600 in 2002
and boasts four Sprint Cup wins at Lowe’s.
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