Photo Finish Gives Hemric Victory Over Pahud In Young Lion Nationals

.002 Seconds Separates Top Two Drivers At Checkered

By Jason Buckley

The closest finish in the history of NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series was just a mere .002 seconds between Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch at Darlington Raceway (SC) in 2003.  The two drivers raced hard on the last lap back to the checkered flag, bumping and rubbing all the way to the finish.  The end of the race went down in the history books as one of the most exciting victories in the history of NASCAR.

Daniel Hemric now knows what that excitement feels like after wheeling his way to the win in the Young Lions National event, beating Christian Pahud by the same; .002 seconds.

“I don’t even know where to begin,” said an excited and stunned Hemric in Victory Lane.  “What an amazing race.”

Pahud paced the field for the majority of the race with Hemric right on his tail.  The two led a strong field of 24 drivers in the feature, which was plagued with numerous cautions for various spins and incidents on the track.  As the race progressed, Pahud continued out front with Hemric right on his tail.  With just a few laps to go, Hemric put pressure on Pahud, causing him to make a mistake that cost him the victory.

The top five finishers in the Young Lions Nationals event.

(photo by Hendrick Sports Photography)

“This race was ours until about two (laps) to go,” said Pahud.  “I messed up going into one and coming out of two I dropped the wheel off on the inside and it kind of hooked.  He got to me going into three and got by me and beat us by .002 seconds.  It is way frustrating.  We led every lap and got a jump on every restart, then lost it on the last lap.”

Although contact on the last lap lost him the race, Christian Pahud (left) gave congrats to Daniel Hemric (right).    (LN Photo)

In the 2007 Summer Shootout at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (NC), officials stated if a driver does a bump and run to get the win, they will not keep the spot, but the rules were a bit different at Kentucky Speedway for the Nationals.  Hemric used the bumper to move Pahud up the track on the last lap, crossing the finish line first.

“Christian and I have raced close and hard all year,” said Hemric.  “I love racing against him.  Coming to the white flag I knew I had one chance to get to him.  I got to him going into turn three.  I did the bump and run on him, and I came out with the win.”

After having the win in his grasp and getting bumped out of the victory on the last lap, many thought Pahud would be irate at Hemric for the move.  Instead, the two drivers were smiling and congratulating each other in Victory Lane.

“Me and him are good friends,” said Pahud.  “Bumping somebody is just racing.  He does it, I do it and everybody does it.  We do whatever we can to win.”

Hemric agreed.

“We have been battling all year and have had some close races like that week in and week out at Concord, at the Shootout and everywhere else,” said Hemric.  “I have to thank him for racing me clean all year.”

Hemric has been in the news over the last month in the Legends realm of racing.  He recently parted ways with Ladyga Motorsports, which left him without a ride.  The last few weekends Hemric has been seen helping out in the Chris Rogers pits and even running a race at Concord Motorsport Park (NC).  Now, in the #69 Chris Rogers car, Hemric is the Young Lions Nationals champion.

“We thought it would be best to switch teams and that is what we did,” said Hemric.  “I want to thank Chris Rogers for the most unbelievable car I have ever driven.  He did an awesome job setting it up.  I really appreciate him and his wife allowing me to come out and drive for him this weekend.”

Even winning the Nationals event, Hemric’s future still is up in the air.  He might race more events for Rogers, but he is not for certain.

Daniel Hemric is new to the Chris Rogers team. (photo by Hendrick Sports Photography)

“I am not exactly sure,” explained Hemric.  “I think right now I will drive selected events, but I am not sure.  We came out here with the win and I can’t be happier.  I am just glad to get this for Chris Rogers."

RESULTS

POS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

#

69

63

6

33k

37

83d

43

38

7jp

24

9

10

07

7

83

5k

12

124

86

94

76

44

26

48

DRIVER

Daniel Hemric

Christian Pahud

Josh Williams

Kyle Lowry

Adam Roberts

Dylan Presnell

Justin Lloyd

Justin Swilling

Jordan Penninger

Parker Hammons

Will Prance

Ryan Blaney

Chad Hackenbracht

Sloan Henderson

Tyler Armstrong

Gene Kirila

Sam McAuley

Austin Hill

Scott Menlen

Zach Zimmerly

Logan Ruffin

Jordan Webb

Matthew Stover

Dylan Ames

Christian Pahud was strong all weekend in Kentucky. (photo by Hendrick Sports Photography)