9-15-06 - Woody Howard wins, Daniel Johnson second, Inaugural Iowa Speedway Race

Woody Howard noses his No. 55

Dean Motorsports Chevrolet out in front

of Daniel Johnson’s No. 3 Charlotte Check Cashers Pontiac

coming to the checkered flag in the Soy Biodiesel 250 at

Iowa Speedway. Kathy Bond Photo

USARPROCUP.COM: Newton, Iowa—When the white flag waved for the Soy Biodiesel 250, Woody Howard was running fourth. However, when checkered flag flew, Howard eked his No. 55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet across the finish line .064 seconds ahead of Daniel Johnson to win the inaugural race at Iowa Speedway.

Coming to the white flag, Johnson, driver of No. 3 Charlotte Check Cashers Pontiac, looked like he would be the first one to christen Iowa Speedway’s Victory Lane.

After a late-race caution set up a green-white-checkered finish, Johnson nudged Mardy Lindley out of the lead on Lap 258, but the contact allowed Howard to get a run on the leader going into Turn 1 on the final lap. With momentum on his side, Howard ducked to the inside of Johnson, and the two went side-by-side for the final lap, banging off each other several times. But in the end, Johnson, who led a race-high 82 laps, fell short of his first Hooters Pro Cup Series win.

"This is an awesome place, and it felt so good running up front here," said Johnson. "I really wanted to win, but this is one of the best runs I’ve had. We almost did not make this race due to lack of funds. This definitely helps us out."

Johnson immediately put the pressure on Lindley when the final green flag waved on Lap 257. Lindley tried to fend off Johnson, but the two tangled for the lead coming to the white flag, enabling Howard, Hobgood and Rumley to slip past.

Daniel Johnson picked up the Aaron’s Hard Charger Award from advancing the most positions during the Soy Biodiesel 250. Johnson started 31st and finished second. He also took home the Greased Lightning Super Strength Performer Award from leading a race-high 82 laps.

Go With What Works
When the regular eight-tire rule was lifted for the Soy Biodiesel 250 at Iowa Speedway, Daniel Johnson’s teammates looked dumbfounded when he told them to sell all his new tires.

"They thought I was crazy," said Johnson. "We went back in our trailer, got all of our Peach State and Lakeland tires, and had them mounted I just felt like they would work better, and they did."

"It’s the nicest track I’ve ever been on," said Daniel Johnson. "I thought Iowa was a long way to go, but I’d come back here anytime."

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