Jeff Burton Wins Family Duel at Rockingham

Jeff Burton outmaneuvered his older brother, Ward Burton, to lead the final 68 laps and win Sunday at Rockingham, N.C., in NASCAR’s Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400.

Jeff Burton, who took the lead when he barely beat Ward out of the pits on their final stop, earned his sixth victory of the season and 11th of his Winston Cup career. Ward’s only stock car victory came in this race in 1995.

“I feel bad that Ward didn’t win this race,” Jeff Burton said. “I know nobody believes that, but it’s hard to go out there and one of your goals has to be to beat your brother. That’s the hardest thing in the world.”

Sunday, Jeff Burton’s Ford led only three laps before taking the top spot for the final time in the 393-lap event when he went out in front after the final caution at lap 325. His winning speed of 131.103 mph set a track record, breaking the mark of 128.423 set last fall by Jeff Gordon.

“That last caution was definitely a blessing for us,” said Jeff Burton, who attributed the victory to second-year crew chief Frankie Stoddard’s go-for-broke strategy.

Ward Burton’s Pontiac cut the lead to 0.339 of a second--about three car-lengths--by the end.

Dale Jarrett, who faded to fourth after leading 160 of the first 261 laps, retained his Winston Cup series lead, staying 246 points ahead of Bobby Labonte.

*

John Force and Warren Johnson clinched NHRA Winston championships in their respective categories, winning event titles at the 14th annual O’Reilly Fall Nationals at Ennis, Texas.

Force outdueled Tommy Johnson Jr. in the quickest side-by-side funny car race in NHRA history to record his ninth funny car championship. Force finished in 4.827 seconds, edging Johnson by 0.16 of a second. Warren Johnson defeated Jim Yates by 0.5 of a second for his fifth pro stock championship.