CONCORD, N.C. _ Whichever driver emerged victorious in Saturday's All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was sure as heck going to earn it.
It was the perfect cocktail of chaos for NASCAR: a new, less-stable rules package; a lack of practice time with said package, thanks to rain in the area on Friday and _ oh yeah _ a massive wreck that trashed more than a third of the field.
So no problem at all, right Kevin Harvick?
Even though Saturday's race didn't count for playoff points, Harvick showed the same dominance he has all season in winning his second career All-Star Race (the other coming in 2007). Harvick's five wins in 12 races this year has been impressive, but coming away with the $1 million prize ranks up there with his most impressive feats.
Harvick began the race well, leaping out to the lead in Stage 1 before falling back to the middle of the pack. Then he surged again in Stage 3, bypassing "The Big One" on Lap 75 and sneaking past Daniel Suarez for a second stage win. From there, he raced way out in front again in the 10-lap shootout that is Stage 4, eventually holding off Suarez for the win.
For every other driver, a win like that would have been the highlight of the year so far. For Harvick? Business as usual.
