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NASCAR briefs

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 2, 2001

Stretch of road honors Earnhardt

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Even people who aren't NASCAR fans will be reminded of Dale Earnhardt when they drive by Texas Motor Speedway.

In a ceremony before the Harrah's 500, city and state officials and the speedway announced Sunday that an interchange to be built linking Interstate 35 to the track will be named Dale Earnhardt Way.

Eddie Gossage, the speedway's general manager, called it "a lasting honor" to the seven-time Winston Cup champion, killed in a crash in the season opener at Daytona.

"Not only will race fans use this exit in the years to come, but millions of motorists traveling along I-35 will see the huge green exit signs calling tribute to Dale Earnhardt's accomplishments," Gossage said. "This is a lasting, fitting honor for the Intimidator."

During the third lap of the race, fans stood and raised three fingers in tribute to Earnhardt. The leader that lap was Dale Earnhardt Jr., who started on the pole.

CLOSE ESCAPE: Two members of Sterling Marlin's crew sprained ankles but escaped serious injury when they were hit by Rusty Wallace's car in the pits on the 266th lap.

Wallace was heading toward his pit when Dave Blaney's Dodge cut in front of him, forcing Wallace's Ford to move to the left and into the crewmen alongside Marlin's stopped Dodge.

Darren Wolfe, the right front-tire carrier, was treated for a sprained left ankle but returned. Rick Reling, the right front-tire changer, also was cut on the right calf. He also continued.

GORDON RISING: Jeff Gordon's Texas troubles seem to be over. His fifth place was his best finish at the track.

"You know our history in Texas," Gordon said. "A top five here is like a win for us."

Gordon's best finish had been last year, 25th. In the inaugural race (1997), Gordon started outside on the front row but wound up 30th. In 1998 he was 31st.

Gordon's worst finish and moment at TMS came in 1999, when his car slammed into a concrete retaining wall. Gordon finished 43rd and last and had a concussion and bruised ribs.

But 2001 was different. Gordon was bunched with five other cars fighting for the lead with nine laps remaining.

"I just couldn't get past (Johnny) Benson," Gordon said. "He was doing what he needed to do to protect his position. If I could have gotten around him and found some clean air, we might've had a chance.

"We should have made a few more adjustments to the car," he said. " I should have been able to get by, and I didn't."

But Gordon, who remained second in Winston Cup points, has gained some much-needed confidencein Texas.

LABONTE'S STRUGGLES: Series champion Bobby Labonte, off to a slow start this year, began on the outside of the front row but was done by the 150th lap when his Pontiac broke a rod. He finished 42nd. He and his brother, Terry, native Texans, had finished in the top 10 of all four races here. Terry was 13th Sunday.

SPARK PLUGS: Marlin led under caution in the 208th lap, giving him the lead in each of the seven races this season. ... Fords have won three straight events after Chevrolets took the first four.

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