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Race Overview
The Event
The 2007 Dodge Dealers 400 marked the twenty-eighth race of the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season and the second event in the critical Chase for the Nextel Cup. Held on September 23, 2007, at the formidable Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, the race saw intense competition among the sport's elite drivers.
Victory Lane
Roush Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards secured his third victory of the season and the seventh of his career, driving his No. 99 Ford to the win. This victory also marked the 100th win for the Roush Fenway Racing organization in the NASCAR Cup Series. Greg Biffle finished second, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in third.
Championship Implications
The race significantly impacted the Drivers' Championship standings. While Edwards took the checkered flag, a post-race penalty for a technical infraction led to a points deduction, causing him to drop in the standings. Jeff Gordon capitalized on the situation, ascending to the points lead after the event.
Track & Championship Context
Dover International Speedway
Known as the "Monster Mile," Dover International Speedway is a classic 1.0-mile (1.609 km) oval track. Its consistently high banking angles (24 degrees in turns, 9 degrees on straights) present a demanding challenge for drivers, requiring precise car control and strategic tire management throughout the 400-lap event.
Chase for the Cup
As the second race in the ten-event Chase for the Nextel Cup, the Dodge Dealers 400 was crucial for championship contenders. Heading into the race, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon were tied for the lead in points, with Tony Stewart closely behind. The performance at Dover would set the stage for the remainder of the playoff season.
Manufacturer Battle
The competitive landscape also extended to the manufacturers. Chevrolet held a commanding lead in the Manufacturers' Championship, followed by Ford, Dodge, and Toyota. The performance of each manufacturer's teams at Dover would influence their respective positions in this ongoing battle.
Practice Sessions
Friday Practice
Jimmie Johnson set the fastest lap in the opening practice session, signaling strong performance from Hendrick Motorsports. Denny Hamlin and Tony Raines followed closely, indicating early competitiveness from Joe Gibbs Racing and other teams. Several drivers experienced minor issues, including engine problems for A. J. Allmendinger, necessitating engine changes.
Saturday Sessions
Despite feeling unwell, Denny Hamlin demonstrated impressive pace by topping the second practice session. Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart also showed strong form. In the final practice, Hamlin again led, with Edwards and Kenseth showing significant speed, setting the stage for a competitive race day.
Qualifying Results
Pole Position
Jimmie Johnson captured his second pole position of the season and his first at Dover International Speedway, posting a blistering lap time of 23.261 seconds. Juan Pablo Montoya qualified second, with Denny Hamlin securing third. The front row lock-out for Hendrick Motorsports and strong showings from other Chase contenders highlighted the intense competition.
The Race Unfolds
Start and Early Laps
The race commenced under sunny skies. Jimmie Johnson led initially but was quickly passed by Denny Hamlin on the second lap. Hamlin held the lead for 40 laps before Matt Kenseth took the point. The early laps saw significant jockeying for position, with drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya falling back from strong qualifying efforts.
Cautions and Incidents
The race was punctuated by thirteen caution periods. Notable incidents included contact between David Gilliland and Johnny Sauter, a spin by Ken Schrader, and a mid-race confrontation between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Petty. Several multi-car accidents, particularly in the latter stages, necessitated red flags for track cleanup, adding to the race's drama.
Lead Changes and Strategy
Matt Kenseth led a significant portion of the race, accumulating 192 laps led. Carl Edwards took the lead multiple times, including a crucial pass late in the race. Strategic pit stops under caution, tire failures (notably for Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth), and the challenging track conditions led to numerous lead changes, keeping spectators engaged.
The Finish
In the final third of the race, Edwards regained the lead after Kenseth's engine failed. Despite a final caution period, Edwards maintained his composure through the restart and held off his teammate Greg Biffle to secure the victory. The margin of victory was a close 0.617 seconds.
Race Results
Top Finishers
Carl Edwards claimed his third win of the season, followed by his Roush Fenway Racing teammate Greg Biffle in second. Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the podium in third place. The race featured a total of 14 lead changes among 9 drivers.
Championship Standings
Drivers' Championship
Following the race and the penalty assessment, Jeff Gordon assumed the lead in the Drivers' Championship standings. Tony Stewart moved into second, with Jimmie Johnson dropping to third. Carl Edwards' penalty resulted in a significant drop, highlighting the critical nature of post-race inspections and penalties within the Chase.
| Pos | +/- | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  1 | Jeff Gordon | 5,340 |
| 2 | 1 | Tony Stewart | 5,338 (−2) |
| 3 |  2 | Jimmie Johnson | 5,336 (−4) |
| 4 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 5,330 (−10) |
| 5 | 1 | Clint Bowyer | 5,322 (−18) |
| 6 | 2 | Carl Edwards | 5,312 (−28) |
| 7 | 1 | Martin Truex Jr. | 5,294 (−46) |
| 8 | 3 | Jeff Burton | 5,265 (−75) |
| 9 | 1 | Kevin Harvick | 5,225 (−115) |
| 10 | 3 | Matt Kenseth | 5,224 (−116) |
| 11 | 1 | Kurt Busch | 5,189 (−151) |
| 12 | 3 | Denny Hamlin | 5,182 (−158) |
| Source:2, 40 | |||
Manufacturers' Championship
Chevrolet maintained its lead in the Manufacturers' Championship standings, followed by Ford, Dodge, and Toyota. The relative performance of the manufacturers' teams at Dover did not significantly alter the overall standings, with Chevrolet continuing its dominant position.
| Pos | +/- | Manufacturer | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Chevrolet | 219 |
| 2 | | Ford | 162 (−73) |
| 3 | | Dodge | 143 (−87) |
| 4 | | Toyota | 89 (−140) |
| Source:8 | |||
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Important Notice
This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from a Wikipedia article and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter. The analysis and presentation are for educational exploration and do not constitute professional advice in any field, including motorsports analysis or strategy.
This is not professional racing analysis. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official NASCAR regulations, historical archives, or seeking expert opinions from motorsports professionals. Always refer to official sources for definitive data and analysis.
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