2003 Sirius 400

35th Sirius 400:

Welcome all to Sirius 400, held here at Michigan International Speedway. 42 cars will receive the green flag. And here we go for the race!



The oval of Michigan is considered boring by many; which can be annoying, have to fast. The cars passed the 200 mph easily, reaching 209 mph with Dale Jarrett.

In the early laps, there was an epic battle for first place between four drivers: Mark Martin, Ricky Craven, Matt Kenseth and Rusty Wallace. The leadership was largely in the hands of Martin, going to Craven for a lap.

And then, more drivers were coming in the battle for the top positions. Craven moved ahead; laps later, it's the turn of Robert Pressley. He was going well until a yellow flag for debris on lap 39.



The first pit window came and Dale Jarrett back in front, followed by Ricky Rudd. And just exiting pit road, Ryan Newman had problems in the piston and was forced to retire. A few laps later, the restart.



Dale Jarrett fired to the top, while cars and more cars were crowding in the contest for second position. But this difference was decreasing and Joe Nemechek went to the front on lap 70.

While Front Row Joe rode like a madman, 13 cars gathered in a contest for top positions. And the race was going until Dale Jarrett tip resumed on lap 84. Eight laps later, Ricky Rudd became the race leader.

Then came the second pit window on lap 94, and after 41 pit stops, Ricky Craven took the lead. It would be something normal, if not a Pontiac. Craven rode consistently, but was overtaken by Robert Pressley on lap 113.



From there it was pretty much a two-car tandem between Craven and Pressley. Even laggards hindered the distance of the two for the third placed. But gradually Mark Martin was coming, and with your vacuum, he helped Ricky Craven to return to the front on lap 139.

Until the third, perhaps last, pit window came on lap 145. Craven to no avail for, as Pressley returned to the front. This could be the first career victory for Robert, and the first since 2001 for Andy Petree. He had been increasing his lead.

Ten laps to the end and Pressley had a large advantage. Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four... and he was putting fuel! Amazing, fantastic! A big strategy mistake that cost a victory.



And then, three drivers were in contention for victory: Martin, Craven and Jeff Burton, in that order. They stood from lap 197 to 200, the last. Mark Martin's fourth win in 2003 and 37th in his career. Does the title is next?