Kris Johnson: DJ & Boris: A sweet and sour mix
By Kris Johnson
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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COMMENTARY
On Sunday, all eyes will be on the front of the field as the Daytona 500 comes to its conclusion. Hopefully, it will prove as exciting as looking back in the back was on Thursday.
Even with the confusion over Daytona 500 qualifying – on speed, in the Gatorade Duels, via a past champions provisional or from top-35 owner points last year – the drama leading into this year’s 50th running of the “Great American Race” was unmistakable.
Dale Jarrett and Boris Said, both of whom had a spot in the 500 field before the final restart of Thursday’s second Gatorade Duel, experienced vastly different endings to their pressure-packed days.
Before Patrick Carpentier prompted a red-flag period by tagging the wall in Turn 2, Said was in by virtue of David Reutimann running in one of the two transfer spots. Reutimann did not need one after posting the fourth-fastest qualifying speed on Feb. 10. With Said serving as a cheerleader atop Reutimann’s pit box for much of the second duel, he held out hope that the racing gods would smile upon him after rain ruined not only Said's hair but a likely pole-winning run last July at Daytona. As it turned out, the part-time driver didn't even start the event for being outside the top 35 in owner points. If only Reutimann could just hold his spot …
Jarrett, meanwhile, was facing the possibility of missing out on a final chance to run the 500, a race he has won three times during a sure-to-be Hall of Fame career that’ll end early this year. But during the red flag, several drivers radioed their pledge to help Jarrett maintain his transfer position. This, after teammates Michael Waltrip and Reutimann essentially attempted to provide a police escort for Jarrett. It’s one thing for your teammates to have your back, but having guys like Mark Martin and Kevin Harvick publicly (via TV anyway) make such feelings known reveals just how well respected Jarrett’s become as NASCAR’s reigning elder statesman.
So, it appeared before the restart that Jarrett would have the ending he deserved and Said possibly the beginning in earnest to a Cup career that’s never been able to get off the ground.
Just one problem, though.
John Andretti, under caution, had taken fresh tires in his unlikely bid to make the 500. During the green-white-checkered finish – with Said assuredly sweating while cheering for the No. 00 Toyota – Andretti tore through the field and past Reutimann. Ouch.
For his part, Jarrett did what he needed to do, finishing ninth, one spot ahead of Andretti.
Both of the veterans were in; Said was on the outside looking there.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Boris Said
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