Winners and Losers: Amp Energy 500

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If you are a fan of NASCAR in any way, Talladega is the two races you circle every year. This is the only true wildcard in NASCAR. You could be leading and wreck, you could be riding in the back of the pack and wreck. Either way not one of the 43 drivers on the track have any control in what the guy in front, behind, or to the side of you does.

Check out the winners and losers of the AMP Energy 500.

Winners

Jamie McMurray

In what is somewhat of a shocker, Jamie McMurray survived the late race carnage to win his second career race on Sunday afternoon. It was very impressive actually, McMurray was really there all day long, but you would have never known it.

When it mattered most he was able to conserve just enough fuel and avoid the troubles that ruined so many teams day. McMurray worked his back to the front after dropping back mid race. When it mattered most he was able to get up front.

McMurray is without a ride after Homestead and has yet to announce where he will go. That being said McMurray should have won a few races between now and his last win in 2007. Bad luck, mechanical issues have cost them those wins.

Seeing McMurray in victory lane was great, and refreshing in a sport dominated by certain drivers.

Points: 22nd

Michael Waltrip

We know Michael Waltrip can drive the wheels off a car, literally at times. When it comes to restrictor plate racing, Waltrip is considered one of the best on these tracks. He showed that on Sunday.

Waltrip quickly used the draft to his advantage and moved forward, he was in the Top 10 early and stayed there throughout the race. He really was able to work well with multiple drivers, and move his way from the front to the back.

Waltrip finished an impressive seventh on Sunday.

Waltrip is retiring from full time racing in three races, would have been cool to see him win as a thank you to his sponsors and his team. It was still a great job by Waltrip and his team on Sunday.

Points: 33rd

Bobby Labonte

In case you missed it Bobby Labonte finished 10th on Sunday. Labonte name was hardly mentioned throughout the race. He ran a smart race, and avoided both big wrecks.

Labonte was driving the No. 71 with the rainout for qualifying, and was starting deep in the pack. They had to work their way to the front. Labonte was able to work his through the draft. This team had great pit stops and did exactly what they needed to do.

Labonte has yet to announce his plans for 2010. Labonte should be in a ride for 2010; just a poor economy is dictating where he will end up.

I have talked to Labonte and he is a great ambassador for this sport, except he doesn’t get the recognition he is due.

Points: 30th

Losers

Paul Menard

Paul Menard who left Dale Earnhardt Incorporated last year to drive for Yates Racing in 2009, carries his families sponsorship with him. Menards has run well at Talladega in recent years. Today was not meant to be.

Menard had pulled to the back to just ride around for a while and avoid getting caught up in someone else’s wreck. Instead a tire going down sent him into Joe Nemechek and ended their day only five laps into the race.

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