Bowyer Becomes Fourth First-Time Winner This Season
For the first time since 2002, four drivers have earned their first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series victory in the same season. Two of the four – Martin Truex Jr. and Clint Bowyer – are also competing in their first Chase.
“Having four first-time winners in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series so far this season is a good indication of just how balanced and talented the group of drivers in this series is, ” said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. “It also shows that the level of competition is as good as it’s ever been and it is only going to continue to get better. “
Truex and Bowyer were both part of the 2006 Raybestos Rookie of the Year class, considered by some to be the best rookie class the series has seen, while Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge) leads the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings.
“I’m just lucky to be part of such a strong rookie class, ” Bowyer said. “I think when you look back on this group of guys 20 years from now, people will be able to say that was a pretty stout group of guys and hopefully, we’ll all be here for a long time to come. I think it’s pretty apparent how good that group of guys is when you look at who is in the Chase this year. ”
Five drivers picked up their first career victory in 2002, including Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge), Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray (No. 26 IRWIN Ford) and Johnny Benson.
Picture Perfect: Bowyer’s Win Nets Flawless Driver Rating
Clint Bowyer’s (No. 07 DirecTV Chevrolet) New Hampshire win marked only the sixth time a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver has recorded a perfect Driver Rating since the stat’s inception in 2005.
“That’s pretty cool, ” said Bowyer, when made aware of his accomplishment. “I think that’s the first time I’ve gotten a perfect score on anything, but it goes a lot further than me. (Crew Chief) Gil (Martin) and all the guys that work on that Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet gave me a perfect race car. ”
Bowyer ran the fastest lap on 78 of the 273 green flag laps of the race.
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