NASCAR WCUP: Jarrett guns for 11th consecutive top five at Pocono
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
July 26, 2001
LONG POND, Pa. - Fresh off his first career victory at the "Magic Mile" in New Hampshire, #88 UPS driver Dale Jarrett returns to a track where he's already won twice and established a permanent presence in the top 5 in recent years: Pocono Raceway.
Items to consider heading into Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 (TNT; 1 p.m. EDT):
Jarrett, buoyed by that patented Robert Yates Racing horsepower, has performed exceptionally well at Pocono Raceway, including his last run there, a third-place finish in the June 17th running of the Pocono 500. The fact that Jarrett finished in the top 5 should not have come as a surprise to anyone...
The #88 UPS driver is bidding this weekend for his 11th consecutive top-5 finish at the oddly configured 2.5-mile track. Jarrett's 10-race skein dates back to 1996 and his average finish during that time is 2.9!
Jarrett owns two Winston Cup victories at Pocono Raceway with both coming in this summer event, during the 1995 and 1997 seasons, respectively.
Horsepower isn't the only thing that helps Jarrett at Robert Yates Racing. There's also the benefit of teamwork. As he and RYR teammate Ricky Rudd continue their chase for the 2001 Winston Cup crown, Jarrett spoke on the power of that partnership:
"I think that we're working closer and accomplishing more," Jarrett said. "We've always talked, but I think now we've really got our heads together and we're able to see the results more on the race track."
He added, "It would great for those of us who really know Robert Yates... this would be the greatest thing if we could get these cars first and second (in the championship chase) to pay him back for everything he's done for us and this sport."
Text provided by Kris Johnson
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery .