‘Footloose’ describes more than music, Earnhardt Jr. wins the Showdown

[media-credit name=”Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]Charlotte NC – CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Blake Shelton may have started the party at Charlotte Motor Speedway with his recent remake of ‘Footloose,’ but the drivers were ready to do a little dancing of their own on Saturday night, showing off some unique, door-to-door dance moves. ‘Footloose’ and fancy free, drivers laid it all on the line for forty laps.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. told the media on Friday that he wanted to win the Sprint Showdown. He took the lead on lap one and paced the field for both 20-lap segments without caution, staying true to his word. Earnhardt, sporting the colors of black and orange for his foundation, opened his lead over former teammate and two-time Sprint Showdown winner Martin Truex Jr. on lap one.

Strategically in preparation for the second 20-lap segment, the race leaders of Earnhardt and Truex stayed out on the track for position. The two restarted side by side. As the laps were beginning to wind down, three-wide racing had cars bumping and grinding on the front stretch. The Showdown drivers were hungry to advance.

AJ Allmendinger, who sat on the pole suffered a flat tire prior to the start of the race and was regulated to the back of the field. After the pit stop between segments, Allmendinger did some fast line dancing as he manhandled his Dodge through the field. With two laps left in the second segment, the ‘Dinger’ had moved into place position, securing a transfer spot.

Earnhardt’s return to victory lane had race fans twisting in their seats, while his team was jumping and jiving on pit road on their way to victory lane. “These are good race teams that we are going to be racing with in the All-Star Race,” Earnhardt said. “It is going to be difficult starting in the back in the dirty air,” he commented when asked how he felt his No. 88 Chevrolet would react starting in the rear of the field. “I am fortunate to drive my way into the All-Star Race,” said Earnhardt, “Fan support is a gift and I never wanted to take it for granted.” Earnhardt hopes his fans appreciate his efforts in the Showdown.

The third driver to transfer into the All-Star Race was fan vote Bobby Labonte. He finished the Showdown in twelfth position. Flattered by the fans vote, the former two-time Sprint Cup Champion, Labonte discussed the lack of budget funds and the concept that his No. 47 team had discussed not even competing in the Showdown.

“This is awesome,” said Labonte who was humbled and honored by being the fans choice. He noted that there are many great drivers in the field that could have been chosen, and was flattered he can compete.

Unofficial Race Results : Sprint Showdown
Sprint Showdown – May 19, 2012 – Exhibition