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BUSCH: Talladega: Stacy Compton race report

Compton's Talladega run nets Kingsford/Johnsonville Team second spot. TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 22, 2002) - It helps to be out front when the "big one" hits at Talladega. That's where Stacy Compton and the No. 59 Kingsford/Johnsonville Chevrolet ...

Edited: Apr 16, 2008, 12:40 AM

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Compton's Talladega run nets Kingsford/Johnsonville Team second spot.

TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 22, 2002) - It helps to be out front when the "big one" hits at Talladega. That's where Stacy Compton and the No. 59 Kingsford/Johnsonville Chevrolet were when most of his competition was eliminated in a 27-car wreck at the NASCAR Busch Series Aaron's 312 on Saturday.

Jason Keller, Kenny Wallace and Compton were the only lead cars not involved in the accident and after the restart pulled away from what was left of the field.

Late in the race Wallace dropped out of contention after his engine failed, leaving Keller and Compton dueling for the win. Compton tried every line on the track, but was unable to pass Keller and finished second in a nose-to-tail battle to the finish line. "With a restrictor plate on the motors like we have at Talladega, you really need a drafting partner to pass--no matter how good the car is," commented Compton after the race. "We were just as fast as the No. 57 car, we just didn't have anyone to team up with to get by."

Miscommunication on lap 64 prevented the No. 59 car from staying up front all day. Compton was unclear as to when to head to pit road for his final stop for fuel and tires. Compton and the leading Kingsford/Johnsonville Chevrolet stayed out on the track, while the only other two competitors pitted on lap 65. This allowed the No. 57 and No. 48 cars to return to the track ahead of Compton. This proved to be the turning point in the race. Compton was able to pass the No. 48 of Wallace, but was unable to get by Keller and the No. 57.

"Everything has to work perfectly to win a NASCAR Busch Series race, and we were almost perfect today," noted owner Tad Geschickter. "We'll address the communication issue and make sure we are ready to win. I'm proud of this team and the progress everyone has made this season. Results like these speak for themselves."

"I guess it says a lot for this team when they are disappointed with a second place finish," added Compton. "The guys at the shop have given me good cars every weekend and we needed this race to show we are capable of winning races."

Saturday's finish was Compton's first top-five and fourth top-ten finish in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series this season. His second place finish moves him to eighth place in the series point standings.

-stm-

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