Elliot Sadler Wins Second Nationwide Race of Season
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John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR(BRISTOL, Tenn.) — Elliot Sadler has now won the first two of the last four Nationwide races this season.
Before the 2012 season started, he had not won a Nationwide race in 14 years. Instead of putting new tires on the car, crew chief Luke Lambert told Sadler to go with what he had on the final caution.
On the final restart, with 28 laps remaining, that call turned out to be a good one as Sadler cruised into victory lane holding off Kasey Kahne and Brad Keselowski.
“What a great day. This is Bristol, I wanted this one worse than anything because I love this racetrack so much,” said Sadler. “Great call by Luke (Lambert).”
Kahne, who finished in second, used to be teammates with Sadler in the Cup Series.
“I watch Elliott right now, and I see him, he’s as happy as he’s been,” Kahne said. “He’s a good racer and right now he has a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum. He’s walking around smiling, and he’s confident with his car and his team.”
Danica Patrick finished in 19th.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio