Sadler Records Second Consecutive Top-10 Finish;
MONOPOLY® at McDonald's® Dodge Strong at Talladega
 

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Oct. 5, 2008) - Elliott Sadler and the No. 19 MONOPOLY at McDonald's Dodge team turned in a top-10 finish for the second consecutive week with a 10th-place finish on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway.

The No. 19 team had its work cut out for it at the 2.66-mile Alabama superspeedway after starting from the 40th position. Luckily, the team was up to the task and found itself racing in the top five on the final lap of the green-white-checkered finish.

"I was going for the win," explained Sadler. "I could have stayed in line and finished fourth - or I could go for the win. I went for the win. I would have been kicking myself if I didn't go for a win for these guys. Nobody went with me and we finished 10th. I'd rather finish 10th going for the win versus finishing fourth and just riding around.

"We were done points racing once the Chase started - now we want wins. We came really close today, but restrictor plate racing can do that to you in the end. There were a couple cars coming and pushing me really hard. Everybody is pushing hard trying to get the best finish that they can. I just wish that they would have gone with me."

Kevin Kidd, engineer on the No. 19 team, served as crew chief for the weekend filling in for regular crew chief Rodney Childers. Childers returned to Charlotte to be with his wife who welcomed twin boys into the world on Friday morning.

"Great race today everyone," Kidd said over the radio following the race. "We all came together and really gave ourselves a shot at this thing. If we would have received just a little bit of help on that final lap we could be standing in victory lane right now. We all appreciate the hard work. Let's get ready for another strong showing next week in Charlotte."

Sadler picked up five bonus points for leading a total of four laps. He is now 21st in the driver point standings, trailing Jamie McMurray for 20th position by 26 points.

Sadler's top-10 finish at Talladega marks the first time in 2008 that the No. 19 team has recorded back-to-back top-10 finishes.

Tony Steward recorded his first win of the season by holding off Paul Menard over the final three laps. David Ragan, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top five.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Lowe's Motor Speedway next Saturday as the Chase for the Championship reaches its half-way point. The Bank of America 500 will be the final Saturday night contest of the season.

 

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