Top NASCAR Stars Light 'Em Up During Inaugural Pennzoil Platinum® Victory Challenge |
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The Sprint Cup Series celebrated its stars on May 17 for the 24th running of the Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race. Similar to the way NBA Slam-Dunk competition and the MLB Home Run Derby precede their respective All-Star games, the Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race kicked off this year with the debut of the Pennzoil Platinum® Victory Challenge. The timed competition was headlined by five of NASCAR's top drivers, including Shell-Pennzoil driver Kevin Harvick. The drivers were tasked with demonstrating three essential skills of any NASCAR victory celebration – a tire-smoking burnout, spectacular donuts and precision driving into "Victory Lane" –as quickly as possible. Harvick is considered the sport's preeminent burnout artist, and he proved why as he delighted the fans and stole the show at the Pennzoil Platinum® Victory Challenge. Though he did not secure the win at the inaugural event, he cast no illusions about his intentions heading into it. "Just blow the tires out," he said. "That's what I'm going for. Just pop the tires." And try to pop them he did. Parking the front of his car against the wall, Harvick showered the track with rubber pellets of tire and poured smoke into the stands – all to adoring cheers and applause. Even his talented competition – teammate Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and the eventual winner Greg Biffle – couldn't compete with the crowd's thrills inspired by Kevin Harvick. Possibly the most thrilled spectator was the one riding shotgun with Harvick – FOX Charlotte anchor Kelli Bartik. While she was a bit apprehensive at first, Kelli was all grins by the time she stepped out of the car. She certainly fared better than the Shell Passionate Experts earlier this year when they took a spin with Harvick – to see what we mean, click here. For more information on the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team, check out http://www.shell.com/us/racing. |