2000 thatlook.com 300
| Race details | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 18 of 34 in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |||
 The 2000 thatlook.com 300 program cover. | |||
| Date | July 9, 2000 | ||
| Official name | 8th Annual thatlook.com 300 | ||
| Location | Loudon, New Hampshire, New Hampshire International Speedway | ||
| Course |
Permanent racing facility 1.058 mi (1.704 km) | ||
| Distance | 273 laps, 288.834 mi (464.833 km) | ||
| Scheduled Distance | 300 laps, 317.4 mi (510.805 km) | ||
| Average speed | 103.145 miles per hour (165.996 km/h) | ||
| Pole position | |||
| Driver | Penske-Kranefuss Racing | ||
| Time | 28.835 | ||
| Most laps led | |||
| Driver | Tony Stewart | Joe Gibbs Racing | |
| Laps | 156 | ||
| Winner | |||
| No. 20 | Tony Stewart | Joe Gibbs Racing | |
| Television in the United States | |||
| Network | TNN | ||
| Announcers | Eli Gold, Buddy Baker, Dick Berggren | ||
| Radio in the United States | |||
| Radio | Motor Racing Network | ||
The 2000 thatlook.com 300 was the 18th stock car race of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the eighth iteration of the event. The race was held on Sunday, July 9, 2000, in Loudon, New Hampshire, at New Hampshire International Speedway, a 1.058-mile (1.703 km) permanent, oval-shaped, low-banked racetrack. The race was shortened from its scheduled 300 laps to 273 due to inclement weather. At race's end, Tony Stewart, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, would complete a dominant performance when the race was stopped to win his sixth career NASCAR Winston Cup Series win and his third of the season.[1][2] To fill out the podium, Joe Nemechek of Andy Petree Racing and Mark Martin of Roush Racing would finish second and third, respectively.
The race was marred by the death of Kenny Irwin Jr., who died due to a stuck throttle in the race's Friday practice session.[3][4] The accident was eerily similar to another fatal crash at the same track when NASCAR Busch Series driver Adam Petty died in the 2000 Busch 200 two months before the race. After Irwin's death, NASCAR would face criticism for its lack of kill switches and safety in general.[5][6]
Background
[edit]New Hampshire International Speedway is a 1.058-mile (1.703 km) oval speedway located in Loudon, New Hampshire which has hosted NASCAR racing annually since the early 1990s, as well as an IndyCar weekend and the oldest motorcycle race in North America, the Loudon Classic. Nicknamed "The Magic Mile", the speedway is often converted into a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) road course, which includes much of the oval. The track was originally the site of Bryar Motorsports Park before being purchased and redeveloped by Bob Bahre. The track is currently one of eight major NASCAR tracks owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports.
Entry list
[edit]- (R) denotes rookie driver.
*Withdrew due to a practice crash, killing Irwin.[3]
Practice
[edit]First practice
[edit]The first practice session was held on Friday, July 7, at 11:15 AM EST. The session would last for two hours and five minutes.[7] Rusty Wallace of Penske-Kranefuss Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 28.806 and an average speed of 132.222 mph (212.791 km/h).[8]
| Pos. | # | Driver | Team | Make | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Rusty Wallace | Penske-Kranefuss Racing | Ford | 28.806 | 132.222 |
| 2 | 6 | Mark Martin | Roush Racing | Ford | 28.938 | 131.619 |
| 3 | 28 | Ricky Rudd | Robert Yates Racing | Ford | 28.975 | 131.451 |
| Full first practice results | ||||||
Death of Kenny Irwin Jr.
[edit]During the first practice session, Team SABCO driver Kenny Irwin Jr. would suffer a stuck throttle on his first lap, sending Irwin into the outside wall. Brett Bodine, who was behind Irwin at the time, reported in an interview with CNN that the car hit the Turn 3 outside wall, then proceeded to roll onto the driver's side, riding the wall. Eventually, after coming to a stop, Irwin's car flipped over to its roof.[9] Irwin likely died instantly of a basilar skull fracture.
While the cause of the crash is widely believed to be a stuck throttle on Irwin's car, the local police department, led by police chief Robert Fiske, report that they could not hold a proper investigation due to both NASCAR and New Hampshire International Raceway president Bob Bahre continuing the scheduled pre-race activities. Fiske reported that if NASCAR had called the police earlier, they could have found out the exact cause, saying "I think there would be a good possibility, particularly because of the witnesses that we would have been able to gain. If they heard the acceleration, for instance, or saw something through the cockpit there, any number of things. Even the tracks that were left on the track. Was it straight into the wall? Did he start to turn? God only knows. I haven't a clue."[10]
After the crash, NASCAR was criticized for its lack of urgency in safety, with another similar incident happening two months before at the same track with Adam Petty. Within the months after Irwin's crash, NASCAR and some race teams would experiment with creating new kill switches and head harnesses to avoid a crash like Irwin and Petty's. However, NASCAR would still be criticized for its lack of urgency even after the implemented kill switch, with the deaths of Tony Roper, Dale Earnhardt, and Blaise Alexander, all caused by basilar skull fractures finally convincing NASCAR to implement stricter safety measures.[11][12][13]
Second practice
[edit]The second practice session was held on Saturday, July 8, at 9:00 AM EST. The session would last for one hour and 30 minutes.[7] Scott Pruett of PPI Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 29.242 and an average speed of 130.251 mph (209.619 km/h).[14]
| Pos. | # | Driver | Team | Make | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | Scott Pruett (R) | PPI Motorsports | Ford | 29.242 | 130.251 |
| 2 | 10 | Johnny Benson Jr. | Tyler Jet Motorsports | Pontiac | 29.279 | 130.086 |
| 3 | 97 | Chad Little | Roush Racing | Ford | 29.358 | 129.736 |
| Full second practice results | ||||||
Third and final practice
[edit]The third and final practice session, sometimes referred to as Happy Hour, was held on Saturday, July 8, at 1:30 PM EST. The session would last for one hour.[7] Kenny Wallace of Andy Petree Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 29.386 and an average speed of 129.612 mph (208.590 km/h).[15]
| Pos. | # | Driver | Team | Make | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55 | Kenny Wallace | Andy Petree Racing | Chevrolet | 29.386 | 129.612 |
| 2 | 60 | Geoff Bodine | Joe Bessey Racing | Chevrolet | 29.428 | 129.427 |
| 3 | 25 | Jerry Nadeau | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 29.497 | 129.124 |
| Full Happy Hour practice results | ||||||
Qualifying
[edit]Qualifying was split into two rounds. The first round was held on Friday, July 7, at 2:30 PM EST. Each driver would have two laps to set a fastest time; the fastest of the two would count as their official qualifying lap. During the first round, the top 25 drivers in the round would be guaranteed a starting spot in the race. If a driver was not able to guarantee a spot in the first round, they had the option to scrub their time from the first round and try and run a faster lap time in a second round qualifying run, held on Saturday, July 8, at 11:00 AM EST. As with the first round, each driver would have two laps to set a fastest time; the fastest of the two would count as their official qualifying lap.[7] Positions 26-36 would be decided on time, while positions 37-43 would be based on provisionals. Six spots are awarded by the use of provisionals based on owner's points. The seventh is awarded to a past champion who has not otherwise qualified for the race. If no past champion needs the provisional, the next team in the owner points will be awarded a provisional.[16]
Rusty Wallace of Penske-Kranefuss Racing would win the pole, setting a time of 28.835 and an average speed of 132.089 miles per hour (212.577 km/h).[17]
Dave Marcis was the only driver to fail to qualify.
Full qualifying results
[edit]Race results
[edit]| Fin[18] | St | # | Driver | Team | Make | Laps | Led | Status | Pts | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 20 | Tony Stewart | Joe Gibbs Racing | Pontiac | 273 | 156 | running | 185 | $164,800 |
| 2 | 30 | 33 | Joe Nemechek | Andy Petree Racing | Chevrolet | 273 | 3 | running | 175 | $107,550 |
| 3 | 3 | 6 | Mark Martin | Roush Racing | Ford | 273 | 13 | running | 170 | $81,200 |
| 4 | 9 | 25 | Jerry Nadeau | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 273 | 2 | running | 165 | $73,825 |
| 5 | 8 | 24 | Jeff Gordon | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 273 | 0 | running | 155 | $74,375 |
| 6 | 24 | 3 | Dale Earnhardt | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 273 | 0 | running | 150 | $69,425 |
| 7 | 10 | 88 | Dale Jarrett | Robert Yates Racing | Ford | 273 | 1 | running | 151 | $70,725 |
| 8 | 16 | 12 | Jeremy Mayfield | Penske-Kranefuss Racing | Ford | 273 | 10 | running | 147 | $56,125 |
| 9 | 20 | 18 | Bobby Labonte | Joe Gibbs Racing | Pontiac | 273 | 2 | running | 143 | $64,125 |
| 10 | 14 | 28 | Ricky Rudd | Robert Yates Racing | Ford | 273 | 0 | running | 134 | $68,925 |
| 11 | 4 | 99 | Jeff Burton | Roush Racing | Ford | 273 | 1 | running | 135 | $63,125 |
| 12 | 11 | 14 | Rick Mast | A. J. Foyt Enterprises | Pontiac | 273 | 0 | running | 127 | $45,025 |
| 13 | 17 | 60 | Geoff Bodine | Joe Bessey Racing | Chevrolet | 273 | 20 | running | 129 | $55,325 |
| 14 | 38 | 10 | Johnny Benson Jr. | Tyler Jet Motorsports | Pontiac | 272 | 0 | running | 121 | $50,525 |
| 15 | 1 | 2 | Rusty Wallace | Penske-Kranefuss Racing | Ford | 272 | 1 | running | 123 | $67,025 |
| 16 | 33 | 21 | Elliott Sadler | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford | 272 | 0 | running | 115 | $57,325 |
| 17 | 5 | 50 | Ricky Craven | Midwest Transit Racing | Chevrolet | 272 | 63 | running | 117 | $41,700 |
| 18 | 12 | 22 | Ward Burton | Bill Davis Racing | Pontiac | 272 | 0 | running | 109 | $59,550 |
| 19 | 22 | 17 | Matt Kenseth (R) | Roush Racing | Ford | 272 | 0 | running | 106 | $54,400 |
| 20 | 13 | 11 | Brett Bodine | Brett Bodine Racing | Ford | 272 | 0 | running | 103 | $45,650 |
| 21 | 26 | 8 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. (R) | Dale Earnhardt, Inc. | Chevrolet | 272 | 0 | running | 100 | $51,075 |
| 22 | 36 | 4 | Bobby Hamilton | Morgan–McClure Motorsports | Chevrolet | 272 | 0 | running | 97 | $52,725 |
| 23 | 7 | 36 | Ken Schrader | MB2 Motorsports | Pontiac | 272 | 0 | running | 94 | $44,475 |
| 24 | 15 | 94 | Bill Elliott | Bill Elliott Racing | Ford | 272 | 0 | running | 91 | $52,225 |
| 25 | 37 | 40 | Sterling Marlin | Team SABCO | Chevrolet | 272 | 0 | running | 88 | $52,375 |
| 26 | 19 | 55 | Kenny Wallace | Andy Petree Racing | Chevrolet | 272 | 0 | running | 85 | $51,725 |
| 27 | 41 | 75 | Wally Dallenbach Jr. | Galaxy Motorsports | Ford | 271 | 0 | running | 82 | $43,450 |
| 28 | 23 | 1 | Steve Park | Dale Earnhardt, Inc. | Chevrolet | 271 | 0 | running | 79 | $51,200 |
| 29 | 42 | 9 | Stacy Compton (R) | Melling Racing | Ford | 271 | 0 | running | 76 | $42,950 |
| 30 | 35 | 32 | Scott Pruett (R) | PPI Motorsports | Ford | 271 | 0 | running | 73 | $40,225 |
| 31 | 28 | 16 | Kevin Lepage | Roush Racing | Ford | 271 | 0 | running | 70 | $50,600 |
| 32 | 25 | 27 | Mike Bliss (R) | Eel River Racing | Pontiac | 270 | 0 | running | 67 | $39,475 |
| 33 | 27 | 66 | Darrell Waltrip | Haas-Carter Motorsports | Ford | 270 | 0 | running | 64 | $42,350 |
| 34 | 29 | 93 | Dave Blaney | Bill Davis Racing | Pontiac | 270 | 0 | running | 61 | $39,225 |
| 35 | 39 | 7 | Michael Waltrip | Mattei Motorsports | Chevrolet | 270 | 0 | running | 58 | $49,600 |
| 36 | 40 | 44 | Steve Grissom | Petty Enterprises | Pontiac | 268 | 0 | running | 55 | $46,975 |
| 37 | 43 | 90 | Ed Berrier (R) | Donlavey Racing | Ford | 267 | 0 | running | 52 | $38,850 |
| 38 | 21 | 77 | Robert Pressley | Jasper Motorsports | Ford | 162 | 0 | electrical | 49 | $38,750 |
| 39 | 31 | 31 | Mike Skinner | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 155 | 0 | running | 46 | $46,725 |
| 40 | 2 | 43 | John Andretti | Petty Enterprises | Pontiac | 109 | 1 | engine | 48 | $59,175 |
| 41 | 18 | 26 | Jimmy Spencer | Haas-Carter Motorsports | Ford | 98 | 0 | crash | 40 | $46,650 |
| 42 | 34 | 97 | Chad Little | Roush Racing | Ford | 5 | 0 | crash | 37 | $46,625 |
| 43 | 32 | 5 | Terry Labonte | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 5 | 0 | crash | 34 | $56,600 |
| Failed to qualify or withdrew | ||||||||||
| 44 | 71 | Dave Marcis | Marcis Auto Racing | Chevrolet | ||||||
| WD | 42 | Kenny Irwin Jr. | Team SABCO | Chevrolet | ||||||
| Official race results | ||||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ Poole, David (July 9, 2000). "Rain helps Stewart to season's 3rd win". ThatsRacin. The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Stewart wins rain-shortened race under caution flag". The Monitor. July 10, 2000. p. 13. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Poole, David (July 7, 2000). "Practice-session crash leaves Irwin dead at age 30". ThatsRacin. The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on January 10, 2001. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Irwin, 30, killed in crash at Loudon". The Boston Globe. July 8, 2000. p. 78. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Zeegers, Madilyn (2020-12-12). "Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty's Tragic Deaths Motivated NASCAR to Create the Kill Switch". Sportscasting | Pure Sports. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ Fox, Jay. "NASCAR MUST ACT FAST ON SAFETY ISSUES". The Morning Call. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Jayski's Silly Season Site - 2000 New Hampshire 1 Race Info Page". Jayski's Silly Season Site. Archived from the original on April 25, 2001. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Racin.net - The 2000 New England 300 Friday Practice". The Racin' Network. Archived from the original on August 23, 2000. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ Aftermath of Kenny Irwin Jr.'s fatal crash, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Kelly, Kevin (July 30, 2000). "Police upset with NASCAR for actions after Irwin's crash". New Bedford Standard-Times. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "NASCAR IDLES WHILE DRIVERS DIE". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ Harris, Mike (January 19, 2002). "NASCAR still full speed on safety". The Item. p. 18. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Beard, Brock, THREE BEFORE FEBRUARY (NASCAR Documentary) - 20th Anniversary Edition, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ "NASCAR Winston Cup Series Practice 2". NASCAR Online. Archived from the original on August 23, 2000. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Happy Hour practice speeds". ThatsRacin. Archived from the original on March 3, 2001. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Jayski's Silly Season Site - 2000 Provisional Start Status". Jayski's Silly Season Site. Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
- ^ Utter, Jim (July 7, 2000). "Wallace swipes pole from Petty Enterprises again". ThatsRacin. Archived from the original on February 10, 2001. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "2000 thatlook.com 300 - The Third Turn". www.thethirdturn.com. Retrieved May 12, 2022.