Blk3GM's NASCAR Winston Cup News - Earnhardt poised for win and record in Pepsi 400

Earnhardt poised for win, record in Pepsi 400
June 18, 1999 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

When Dale Earnhardt returns to Daytona International Speedway for the Pepsi 400 on July 3, he will be looking for the win that so narrowly escaped him in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500. He also will be poised to break a long-held record by Cale Yarborough as the all-time Pepsi 400 lap leader.

If Earnhardt -- who earned Pepsi 400 victories in 1990 and '93 -- leads 105 laps in the 160-lap Pepsi 400, he will surpass Yarborough's record as the all-time lap leader with 645 laps led.

Earnhardt already holds several records at Daytona -- most notably the career victories lead with more than 30 -- but including the all-time leading money winner in the Pepsi 400 ($620,165). He shares the record for the most consecutive Bud Pole Awards (two) with Yarborough and Sterling Marlin. In addition, he is one of only five drivers to win the Pepsi 400 from the pole position, a feat he accomplished in 1990.

Earnhardt's pair of Pepsi 400 victories came at average speeds of 160.894 mph in 1990 and 151.755 mph in '93.

Earnhardt's last race at the speedway, the Daytona 500, resulted in a close finish with Jeff Gordon taking the checkered flag by a margin of only .178 seconds. Victories at the "World Center of Racing" have been traded between the Earnhardt's No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet and Gordon's No. 24 DuPont Automotive Finishes Chevrolet in recent years. Gordon won the 1999 Daytona 500 and the 1998 Pepsi 400. Earnhardt won the 1998 Daytona 500.

While competition in the July 3 race will be intense with a field of talented drivers, the result may be yet another trade between Earnhardt and Gordon, with Earnhardt ending up on top. Either way, fans are sure to enjoy exciting door-to-door action under the lights at Daytona this Fourth of July weekend.

Tickets for the Pepsi 400 are still available; including reserved specialty vehicle packages and Daytona Club hospitality packages. For ticket information and purchase call the speedway ticket office at (904) 253-7223 or log on to the speedway's web site at www.daytonausa.com.

NASCAR
Winston Cup Series

Earnhardt fans, check out That's Racin's new wallpapers

The Life and Times of the "Intimidator"

We are a Link Partner with:

Blk3GM's Dale Earnhardt Site was born on July 26, 1998 and is owned and maintained by Gary Harris. This site is a tribute to "NASCAR's Greatest Driver" and his up and coming son. We are not affiliated with any official Team, Sponsors, Media Group or NASCAR. This site is solely for entertainment purposes. Information and statistic's on this site have been collected from various NASCAR related sites on the internet, from Winston Cup Scene, Newspapers, Television and our personal experience at Winston Cup and Busch Grand National races. All statistics are believed to be accurate at the time they are updated but cannot be guaranteed.