M&M’s Shaken up - Elliot Sadler went up, over and around on lap 182.
09/29/2003
My heart sank as I saw this disaster unfold. I was sure that he would be in trouble. Dale Jr. was trying to move down a spot on the track, Elliot moved to get out of the way and then clipped Kurt Bush in the front ¼ panel.
The car flipped on the grass, it went sliding on its roof, then over and over, 6 times when it somehow landed back on its wheels. The windows were gone, the trunk and hood were still attached by the tethers. I didn’t expect to see the driver move, but he pulled the steering wheel off as the safety workers got to the car. I have to say it was the quickest response I have seen with the Safety Crews. The new rule no racing back to the yellow worked, all the cars on track slowed quickly. It was designed for situations like this, when there is a major accident, the safety vehicles don’t have to wait for the track to clear before they start moving. I like that part of the rule change. The news this morning said Elliot was released from the hospital after observation. The drivers “cage” was the only part of the car that was still intact. Way to go safety changes. I bet he is going to be sore when he gets up this morning.
Michael Waltrip ended up winning the race, Dale Jr., came in second when he managed to get a lap back due to the new lucky dog rule. Tony Stewart had a great day considering he didn’t practice on Saturday due to a migraine and finished 3rd. Next up Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Bush, Ricky Craven, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte, then Robby Gordon in 12th, Bill Elliott, then Ward Burton 14th.
Robby stayed the same in the points standing, 12th place finish, 12th place in points. He was involved in a crash after the checkered flag fell. The car was a little damaged but he was able to get back to the garage. Robby, you need just a bit of motivation….
Talladega Superspeedway: new restrictor plates, new rules and racing at 190 miles per hour.
