IROC: Cheever finishes third at Daytona after wild ride

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Eddie Cheever Jr. didn’t win the 2001 True Value International Race of Champions race Feb. 16 at Daytona, but he was the center of attention after the opening round of racing’s all-star series.

Cheever and seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt collided while Earnhardt led with two laps remaining in the 40-lap race at Daytona International Speedway. That allowed NASCAR Winston Cup superstars Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd to drive past, as Jarrett edged Rudd by .014 of a second for the victory. Cheever ended up third.

Indy Racing standouts Scott Goodyear and Mark Dismore also were running at the finish, ending up in sixth and eighth place, respectively. 2000 Northern Light Cup champion Buddy Lazier was credited with 11th place in the 12-car field after being involved in an accident with NASCAR Winston Cup driver Jeff Burton and Dismore on Lap 26 that put Lazier and Burton out of the race.

Text Provided by Paul Kelly

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