Pontiac Excitement 400 Near top-10 finish for Target Dodge

RICHMOND, Va. (May 3, 2003) --- For half of the Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Raybestos rookie candidate Casey Mears knew he had his first career Winston Cup top-10 finish.  On lap 231, it was all taken away from him.  

A few cars checked up in front of the Target Dodge on the three-quarter mile track and Mears was forced into the wall.  Although Mears was able to stay in the race, there was major damage to the right front of the car that hurt the body of the car as well as the steering and alignment.

Mears and Team Target kept their Dodge in the race for the remaining 270 laps but they had to play the game of survival and take home a disappointing 29th place finish.  

"This was such a disappointing night for Team Target," Mears said after the race.  "We were running up front and easily headed for a top-10 finish when we got caught up in that accident and got into the wall.  That ended our chances for a good finish.  This was a strong car and we were running great lap times.  This team is definitely starting to come together."

Ganassi teammates Sterling Marlin and Jamie McMurray finished 13th and 22nd respectively.

Team Target will take Mother's Day weekend off and then head to Lowe's Motor Speedway for The Winston on May 17.