Barely got this race in! Not only was it starting to rain again, but the lights were not wired. They were racing darkness as well. Wasn't the first race to end in darkness in 2004, except the first time it ended under caution: Sylvania 200 at New Hampshire for the Trucks. Race was going to have a GWC, but called it off due to darkness, but they managed to complete all 200 scheduled laps!
I remember this day so well, I was 11 years old and I woke up late and missed the start of the race. It was raining here in San Diego too and when I tuned to nascar, I saw Dale Jr leading.
By Cingular race talk Jeff Gordon’s wins at those tracks came in 1. Chicagoland July 2006 2. Phoenix April 2007 3. Texas April 2009 4. Homestead November 2012
2004 Checker Auto Parts 500 Location: Avondale, Arizona Track: Phoenix International Raceway Type of race track: Speedway Starting cars: 43 Finishing cars: 35 Laps: 315 Scheduled laps: 312 Cautions: 11 Red flags: 2 Pole Winner: Ryan Newman (12) (Chase) Most laps led: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (Chase) (118 laps led) Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (Chase)
Barely got this race in! Not only was it starting to rain again, but the lights were not wired. They were racing darkness as well. Wasn't the first race to end in darkness in 2004, except the first time it ended under caution: Sylvania 200 at New Hampshire for the Trucks. Race was going to have a GWC, but called it off due to darkness, but they managed to complete all 200 scheduled laps!
I remember this day so well, I was 11 years old and I woke up late and missed the start of the race. It was raining here in San Diego too and when I tuned to nascar, I saw Dale Jr leading.
The winner of this race won like they did in the previous year, just like the Davey Allison did in 1991 and 1992.
Both would also have this win help their season, and both would also wreck along the same portion of atlanta
I was at this race
Really fond memories of it being a young Jr fan
JR was absolutely on point for that final restart.
By Cingular race talk
Jeff Gordon’s wins at those tracks came in
1. Chicagoland July 2006
2. Phoenix April 2007
3. Texas April 2009
4. Homestead November 2012
Then they had to go add Kentucky 😒 but that place gone under so it shouldn't count
If only JR didn’t crash at Atlanta he wins the 2004 Championship
The combination of Martinsville and Atlanta is what really ended his chances.
The crash, the swearing, and a bad race at Homestead he wasn't winning the cup
2004 Checker Auto Parts 500
Location: Avondale, Arizona
Track: Phoenix International Raceway
Type of race track: Speedway
Starting cars: 43
Finishing cars: 35
Laps: 315
Scheduled laps: 312
Cautions: 11
Red flags: 2
Pole Winner: Ryan Newman (12) (Chase)
Most laps led: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (Chase) (118 laps led)
Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (Chase)
2:14:36 CUE THE DUCK! 🦆
Clueless Newman still thinking he could catch Junior at the end. Junior passed him 4 times in the race. He could never stay in front of him.
3:48
3:46