Hendrick Motorsports celebrated a rare double-win tonight, with Jimmie Johnson claiming the team's 200th Sprint Cup win, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. clinched the Sprint All-Star Race Fan Vote.
"This is really a proud, proud moment for this team", a relieved Rick Hendrick said from the 48 team "war wagon". "To see one of our cars go to victory lane at such a historic track, and know that Junior's gonna make the All-Star Race via the fan vote, its a relief."
Darlington's Mother's Day Weekend date makes it the final chance for a driver to "win" their way into the All-Star Race. By virtue of not winning, Dale Jr. clinched the fan vote going into next weekend's Sprint All-Star Race.
"Well, you know, we're gonna go out there, try and win the Sprint Showdown, but, well, if we can't, well, we, well…", Earnhardt Jr. then continued to mutter while looking down at the ground.
"We know that we'll have all four of our cars in the All-Star Race, which really says something about the depth of this team", Hendrick said while unloading a huge bag of commemorative hats. "It just goes to show that if you go out there and win races, you'll get into the All-Star Race where you belong. Well, either that, or just be really, really, REALLY popular."
Nascar Executive Mike Helton reminded the media that, in theory, Dale Jr. COULD miss the All-Star Race if he doesn't win the fan vote, which could, theoretically, happen. When asked how anybody could beat Dale Jr. in popularity when Derrike Cope is not an eligible driver, Helton simply winked.