Reutimann defends win in Coca-Cola 600

Associated Press

CONCORD, N.C.

David Reutimann nervously paced pit road last season, praying that the sun would stay away and racing would not resume at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

He stood in the rain an agonizing two hours, certain NASCAR would not call the race anytime soon. Sure, the forecast was bleak, but Reutimann had never been a benefactor of good luck or great timing.

But for the first time in his NASCAR career, Reutimann caught a break.

The journeyman driver picked up the only win of his Sprint Cup Series career when NASCAR stopped the Coca-Cola 600 last season just past the halfway point. He won it on a gamble: running 14th when the leaders pitted, his crew chief told him to stay out and pray the sky would open up.

The decision gave Reutimann the lead for the next five laps, all run under caution. NASCAR then called the cars to pit road for a third rain stoppage, and Reutimann stood by his Toyota the entire time.

A year later, as he prepares to defend that victory Sunday, he jokes about how his spot in the record books is viewed.

“Like I’m the only guy on the planet that’s ever won a rain-shortened race?” Reutimann said. “Trust me, I didn’t want to win the race that way. It’s just the way it worked out.”

No matter how well the 40-year-old driver does, gaining respect and recognition is no easy feat.

It drives his bosses at MWR nuts, mostly because they couldn’t be happier with the driver they call “The Franchise.”

“It’s so frustrating how little respect he gets,” said MWR general manager Ty Norris.