by Jeff Hammond

Updated: July 25, 2004, 8:23 PM EST

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The team did a really good job getting Earnhardt in and out of the car in less than 32 seconds. Crewman Jeff Clark lifted him out of the car. They got Martin Truex Jr. inside the car quickly and hooked up all of the safety equipment without losing a lap.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is helped out of his car at Loudon, the week after the final off-weekend of the year when he was involved in a fiery crash at Sonoma. Earnhardt raced his car until the first caution of the race, then turned the 8 over to Martin Truex Jr. Kurt Busch won the race. PHOTOS: 2004 Loudon spring race (Worth Canoy / Associated Press)

Earnhardt Jr. did lose a lap on the track, but he was the first car a lap down when the caution came out so he got the free pass which gave the team a chance to score some big points.

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Two teams tested

I believe Jimmie Johnson was points racing because crew chief Chad Knaus brought a brand-new race car to Loudon. They were looking ahead to the next visit to Loudon, which will be the beginning of the final 10 races of the season. It's very important that you learn all you can learn during race conditions.

And they weren't by themselves. Sunday was important for a lot of teams. Elliott Sadler and the 38 team also brought a different car and did some race strategy so they are better prepared for the final run for the championship.

FOX race analyst Jeff Hammond led Darrell Waltrip to two of DW's three Winston Cup championships as his crew chief. They also teamed to win the 1989 Daytona 500.

For Jeff Hammond's "Real Men Work in the Pits" magnets, Hollywood Hotel hats and more, check out www.dwstore.com.

For photos and appearances, visit Jeff's web site www.jeffhammond.com.