NASCAR WCUP: Jarrett returns to Rockingham with more than winning on his mind

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

ROCKINGHAM, N.C.,- As Winston Cup competition resumes in the wake of Dale Earnhardt's tragic passing, Dale Jarrett knows winning is not the most important consideration heading into Sunday's Dura-Lube 400 at North Carolina Motor Speedway.

Far from it. But, the #88 UPS driver and his fellow competitors will try to honor the man universally known as "The Intimidator" by running in his typically, hard-charging style on Sunday. Noteworthy items include:

Jarrett is returning to the site of his most recent NASCAR Winston Cup victory, which came in last October's running of the Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Motor Speedway.

When Jarrett took that checkered flag last year, it marked his first career Winston Cup win at North Carolina Motor Speedway.

You might think that just one win signifies a lack of success at "The Rock." You'd be wrong! Jarrett finished second six times prior to breaking through for that elusive victory last season.

In fact, the #88 UPS driver carries a remarkable streak into Sunday's race: Jarrett has 10 straight top-10 finishes (nine of those top 5's) at Rockingham. The last time he finished outside the top 10 was in the fall of 1995! Jarrett's average finish in his last 10 outings at Rockingham is 2.9.

DALE JARRETT ON THE PASSING OF HIS FRIEND DALE EARNHARDT

"As millions of race fans mourn the loss of the man they knew as 'The Intimidator,' the sport and the race that he truly loved have taken from me one of my best friends. I know I should feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to race with, tangle with, sometimes outrun, but like most finish behind, the greatest driving talent NASCAR racing has ever seen. I am thankful for that opportunity but, more importantly, I am most grateful that I had the chance to know Dale Earnhardt in a way that so many people could only dream of knowing him. He was a true friend, someone I could always depend on to give me an honest answer and most certainly his opinion. I looked up to him not only because of his driving skills, but because he was so much more to so many people, including me and my family. Kelley and I choose to remember this incredible racer for his caring and giving personality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa and the kids in this time of mourning. But knowing Dale, he would rather this be a celebration of his amazing accomplishments and this we will do in his honor. Just know Dale that we love you and we all are truly going to miss you. Thanks for making our sport what it is today and for being my friend."

Text Provided By Lauren Wells

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