A ninth-place finish in the final points standings in what looks to be your last legitimate season for a championship might bring many drivers down. In past years, it may have brought down the spirits of Mark Martin.
2006 was Jamie McMurray’s first year at Roush Racing after three-plus years driving for Chip Ganassi. His best race of the year was at Dover in June.
9. Dear Santa, Remember me? Not too many NASCAR team owners do either, and as a result I have had to take a part-time job. This year, could you please bring me a competitive ride in any of the three big series? – Steve Park
By stretching his fuel mileage and not making a final pit stop, Terry Labonte took the lead in the Dodge/Save Mart 350 on lap 72 in the No. 96 DLP car.
The high point for Kevin Lepage was actually a best finish of 21st in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway while driving the No. 49 Dodge of BAM Racing.
Sterling Marlin piloted the Waste Management Chevrolet to its only top 10 of the season at Richmond, showing why he’s been a staple in the Cup Series for years.
Which NASCAR driver was the biggest surprise in 2006, and why?
Matt Kenseth was riding high during the first 26 races, soldiering through the “regular season” in his workman-like style to find himself atop the points.
With the team knowing that a DNQ at the Great American Race could make or break their season, PPI Motorsports stepped up to the plate, and so did Travis Kvapil.
Oddly enough, Bobby Labonte’s high point and low point might have come all at the same time, at Atlanta March 20.