Winner Statistics: Earnhardt Jr. Wins Lifelock 400 at Michigan
June 16th, 2008 by James J.The world has been placed back onto it’s axis once again now that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won a race. However, the manner in which he made it to the finish has been raising some eyebrows from other drivers. Multiple times during the pace laps Dale would accelerate his #88 Chevy past the pace car (which supposedly is not permitted) then cut off his engine and coast in order to save fuel. Radio communications telling Dale to stay behind the pace car were broadcast at least twice during the telecast itself. At the same time, his car was clearly shown running ahead of the pace car. Matt Kenseth and Brian Vickers are two drivers who have since questioned Dale’s actions as well as how the situation was handled by NASCAR.
Below are Dale Jr.’s post-race loop data statistics for the LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. As you can see, Dale was one of the top cars this weekend and didn’t just back into a fuel mileage win. Instead, he coasted into it. With the final restart being that of the green/white/checkered variety, Dale’s actions appear to have been just what was needed to save enough fuel and enable him to maintain the lead until the final lap. At that point, the caution came out for an accident and the race was officially over. Momentum (and perhaps a small amount of remaining fuel) carried him around to the start-finish line where he broke his 76 race winless streak.
- Starting Position = 3rd
- Mid Race Position = 6th
- 20 Laps to Go = 10th
- Lowest Position = 16th (best of all drivers)
- Average Position = 6th
- # of Fastest Laps = 11
- Laps in Top 15 = 203 (best of all drivers)
- % of Laps in Top 15 = 100% (best of all drivers)
- Laps Led = 14
- % of Laps Led = 6.9%
- Final Driver Rating = 115.1 (4th best)
Earnhardt Jr Picture Pairs
Below are two images of the #88 team at Michigan International Speedway. They appear to be alike, but in fact there are twelve total differences between them. The first image is the original. Can you spot all twelve differences in the picture pairs? Spoiler Alert: Do NOT view comments until you’re ready as other members may have posted answers already!
June 16th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
very cool. I found only ten. I need a way to circle them so I don’t get confused.
June 16th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
ok I got 11 that time
June 17th, 2008 at 12:17 am
There’s something funny about that guy’s leg (it’s missing) in the second picture. Not sure if that counts as two things… the guy missing and the leg.. or maybe not?
June 17th, 2008 at 7:35 am
His leg isn’t missing, just his shadow. He is running around the car. If you look at his shadow in the first one you can see where his legs are. ok 1. the red and blue on the top of the boxes, 2. one sign is missing from the front, 3. a car is missing, 4. an official, 5. the piece on top of the tire, 6. the stripe down the guy behind the walls leg, 7. sign on the car, 8. color of the air hose, 9. color of the headphones on the guy behind the wall,10. the shadow, 11. the lights or flags across the top, 12.?????
June 17th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Very good so far. I’ll admit, the one you’re missing is a tough one. Not because it’s hard to find, but it was just more obvious when the image was in full resolution. Let’s give it a little more time to see if you or someone else can find it.
So, was this too easy?
1 Removed AMP logo from side of car.
2 ?????
3 Changed color of hose in center pit crew members hand.
4 Took sticker off of new tire waiting to go on rear.
5 Removed the NASCAR official from front of car (I bet Kenseth wishes I could help him like that!)
6 Added 2nd race car onto the track.
7 Changed color of one side panel on the grandstands.
8 Removed grandstand flags, banners & lights along top row.
9 Changed center crew member’s ear cover color from red to purple.
10 Removed shadow from jackman.
11 Added 3rd white banner in grandstands near the suites.
12 Removed stripes from crew member’s pants.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Cool idea, James. I found the 12th but won’t give it away. Hint: MRN always mentions this during pit stops.
June 17th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
If you have the answers it’s OK to post them in the comments. I edited the Picture Pairs intro with a “Spoiler Alert” that comments section may contain answers, so don’t read until ready.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
sorry james.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
For what? I said IT IS OK to post them here! That was the whole idea. People look at it, try to figure them out and then enter the comments section to post the answers or compare answers. I just didn’t think to give the “Spoiler Warning” when I posted originally.
So, did you find the last one yet?
June 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
For posting so early. No I haven’t. i’m still looking.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
ok i give
June 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Here are the twelve differences between the original (first image) and the second one. ["Getty Images" truly is a photo credit].
1 Removed AMP logo from side of car.
2 Flipped the Sunoco logo on fuel can.
3 Changed color of hose in center pit crew members hand.
4 Took sticker off of new tire waiting to go on rear.
5 Removed the NASCAR official from front of car (I bet Kenseth wishes I could help him like that!)
6 Added 2nd race car onto the track.
7 Changed color of one side panel on the grandstands.
8 Removed grandstand flags, banners & lights along top row.
9 Changed center crew member’s ear cover color from red to purple.
10 Removed shadow from jackman.
11 Added 3rd white banner in grandstands near the suites.
12 Removed stripes from crew member’s pants.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
that was a good one.