DARLINGTON, S.C.  (September 1, 2003) – An action-packed NASCAR custom of racing on Labor Day came to an exciting end with Terry Labonte ending a 156-race winless streak. Meanwhile, National Guard driver Todd Bodine rebounded from a disappointing three-week stretch with a respectable 17th place at the track known as “too tough to tame.” 

“I told the guys from the beginning that I was going to sit back and ride around for awhile,” said Bodine after starting the race in 27th position. “This is such a long race and the last time we were here we were taken out on lap 23 to finish dead last. This time we were going to do everything we could to run a solid race and most importantly, finish it. We did.”

It did not take long for the wrath of Darlington to strike. Two multi-car pileups occurred on laps five and 165. The first involved seven cars parking Rusty Wallace and Christian Fittipaldi. The other slowed down the action of six cars including Jeff Gordon and Dave Blaney. Both drivers were racing in the top ten at the time of the crash. 

Bodine managed to dodge all the accidents and other track troubles despite a tight handling race car. A series of pit stops were completed under caution on laps 10, 72, 100, 147, 169, 227, 239, 274, 311 and 333. Since it was Darlington, four tires were the mandatory course of action when the race was slowed due to a caution. Air pressure, track bar and wedge adjustments were completed at various times to help the National Guard machine turn. Bodine gradually worked his way through the field to collect his ninth top 20 of the season.

“I couldn’t be happier with the overall performance of this National Guard crew during the weekend,” continued Bodine. “The guys worked incredibly hard to turn in a solid qualifying effort and then backed it up with two practice sessions that had us ready to go on Sunday. 

“The biggest thing a driver has to remember about this place is you don’t race the competitors.  You race the actual track. That’s what I did. We came out of  this in one piece. I’m really happy with 17th place.” 

Official ResultsWC - StandingsWC

Read More About The Race:  AP Race Story --- TLabonte Family --- Darlington Wrecks

By: Traci Hultzapple
Senior Account Manager – BelCar Racing - No. 54 National Guard Taurus
Cox Marketing Group / Mooresville, NC  28117