Benson's Day Ends Too Early Again

Benson’s Day Ends Too Early Again
Valvoline Pontiac Goes From Top-10 To Behind Wall In Seconds At Charlotte

	For the second consecutive week Johnny Benson and his #10 Valvoline Pontiac
crew appeared headed for a top ten finish only to end up having to head home
early from the NASCAR Winston Cup race.

	In Kansas last week Benson was closing on leader Rusty Wallace when he fell
out of the race. Sunday at Charlotte was almost a replay. Benson struggled
early but moved to the lead during a pit sequence and appeared headed for top
ten finish when engine problems ended his day on lap 230.

	“Everyone is frustrated because of what has happened the last two weeks,”
Benson said. “But I know we are working hard to get this fixed and when we do
we will be fine.”

	Benson started 11th and struggled with lack of grip on the 1.5-mile track. But
after several pit stops for adjustments, Benson started turning lap times close
to those of the leaders.

	Crew Chief James Ince’s pit strategy enabled Benson to climb into the top ten
then Benson stayed on the track during a pit sequence inheriting the lead for
about five laps. Cars with newer tires relegated Benson to eighth – about the
position it appeared he would finish.

	But on lap 230 he reported the trouble and slowed on the front stretch. After
an examination the car was pushed behind the wall.

	"This was a lot like last week,” Benson said. “We weren't perfect, but we were
running in the top 10.  We were just cruising around, trying to get the car
better.”

	Sterling Marlin won Sunday’s race. Benson dropped from 10th to 12th in the
point’s standings.


2001 Points

1	Jeff Gordon 		4223
2	Ricky Rudd 		3986
3	Tony Stewart 		3833
4	Sterling Marlin 	3789
5	Dale Jarrett 		3730
6	Rusty Wallace 	3671
7	Dale Earnhardt, Jr 	3658
8	Kevin Harvick * 	3637
9	Bobby Labonte 	3537
10	Jeff Burton 		3364
11	Mark Martin 		3308
12	Johnny Benson 	3280