Race notes from Daytona

Newman Pulls off Last-Lap Pass To Win Crown Royal IROC

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 13, 2004) -- Ryan Newman slipped past Kurt Busch coming to the checkered flag to win the Crown Royal IROC race at historic Daytona International Speedway on Friday night.

Entering the tri-oval, Newman ducked his No. 12 car underneath the yellow line to pass Busch's No. 97 car. Officials ruled the pass legal because Busch blocked Newman's attempt to pass.

"I could've leaned into him and spun him coming to the line, but that's not the way to win because he was blocking me down," Newman said.

Said Busch: "I was in the middle of the race track and I went to go down to the yellow line and I left just enough room I guess. I thought I left no room. The way it went, I'm just as much at fault as he is.

"I'm a bit upset with myself and maybe the call that was made. But it's more myself because I left the door open."

Rounding out the top five was Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Steve Kinser.

The Crown Royal IROC race was a wild one with 14 lead changes among six drivers. The average speed was 151.007 mph and the margin of victory was .035 seconds.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2004 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

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