Dale had to finish 20th or better to lock into the race.
Can you guess what happened early in the race? Wreck--and it collected Dale in the process.
The rest of the night consisted of watching him fight to stay on the lead lap, get back on the lead lap, gain spots, lose spots, and crawl his way to that top 20. (During this time, there is a very strong possibility I fussed at my AMP shirt to start working its magic, drank far too much soda, and, on a couple of occasions, felt the urge to gag).
After all of the setbacks, he finished 16th!!! Let me tell y'all, only a team destined for great things can overcome everything they had to face tonight and finish 16th.
Without Steve's calm, steady support, Dale's talent & determination, and the team's hard work fixing the car, this could very well have been a 30+ place finish.
His ear-to-ear smile during post-race interviews said it all. I'm so happy for him, Steve, and just the whole team! I knew they could do it! I knew it!
It's Chase time and Dale and the 88 team will give it everything they've got!!!
Remember what they said about the Mavericks this year. Believe.
GO DALE!!!!
