Dale Jr. said he didn't want to black his way into the All-Star race, he wanted to race his way in and boy did he by dominating the Showdown, leading all 40 laps from a starting spot of 3rd to win it. Dale Jr. advances. But behind him, it would be a late race pass by A.J. Allmendinger (after a flat tire coming to the green) to finish 2nd and advance to the All-Star race.
With Dale Jr. and the Dinger in, that left the fan vote wild open and it would be Bobby Labonte. Yes I said Bobby Labonte and what a lucky guy. I'm shocked.