Checkered Countdown: Top-Five Texas Finishes
No. 3 Elliott Sadler just barely beats Kasey Kahne to the line (2004).
The underdog vs the rookie: this was the situation that took place in the final laps at Texas in 2004. Sadler at the time had just one career win that had come three years earlier at Bristol. He was leading in the closing stages but the rookie Kahne caught him fast. The driver of the #38 protected the low line to reduce any kind of opportunity to pass. Kahne was faster in turns three and four and that could have made the difference on the final lap.
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While they were coming to the checkered they indeed encountered a lapped car in the last corners. That slowed the leader down while exiting turn four and helped Kahne get alongside of him. It did not happen soon enough though and Sadler won the race by a nose, ending a long winless streak.