BUSCH: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. earns best career finish

Bobby Hamilton, Jr. drove the No. 26 Baywatch Restaurants, Cafes and Nightclubs Chevrolet to his best career NASCAR Busch Series finish in Saturday’s Touchstone Energy 300 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Hamilton contended for the win throughout the 113-lap race, finally settling in fourth place. It was also the best career finish for Carroll Racing.

"This was a great day for the Baywatch Racing team," said an elated Hamilton, Jr. "Todd Lohse and the Carroll Racing guys gave me a great car. I could go anywhere -- high, low, in the middle. The thing was awesome. The motor was great, it drove perfect, we didn’t change a thing all day. It feels good. It’s hard for a young driver to get someone to run with ‘em, especially late in the race, but I think we definitely gained some respect out here today."

Hamilton, Jr. started 32nd after inclement weather forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying for the ninth race of the 2000 season. Hamilton, Jr. was not content to stay in the rear of the field for long, and with the obvious strength of the No. 26 Baywatch Chevrolet he found his way to seventh-place just 16 laps into the event.

Despite having just 28 races under his NASCAR Busch Series belt, Hamilton mastered the art of drafting, racing in the lead pack for the entire 113 laps. Hamilton was impressive, maintaining his composure as the checkered flag loomed near. On lap 107, the Baywatch Chevrolet was holding down third-place in the pack of four lead cars. Unable to get a run on the first and second place cars, Hamilton battled Buckshot Jones to the finish line, finishing fourth by just inches.

Hamilton Jr.'s previous best was a ninth-place outing at Homestead Miami Speedway, November 13, 1999.