Villeneuve glad to keep nose clean

Formula One's Jacques Villeneuve qualified sixth but elected to drop to the back of the pack for the start, because this was his first Nextel Cup race. “It was the logical thing to do," he said. “I had more to learn from the back … and it was also to show respect for the guys fighting for the Chase. I was thankful for them allowing me to race here, which is really special to me."

Villeneuve played it cautiously and finished 21st, on the lead lap.

“Early in the race was tough, for some reason I was really tight," Villeneuve said. “I almost ran into a couple of people on the inside line because of that.

“I didn’t want that to happen, so I moved up to the high line. That’s why I got into the wall (a brush).

“On one of the big wrecks I slammed on the brakes and went down to the apron, but got sandwiched between a couple of cars.

“I lost the shifter ball, and the radio plug came loose (which led NASCAR to black-flag him for radio repairs). And I lost third gear on the last restart.

“So we had a lot of things going on. It was a great day to learn. And I’m quite happy with the result.

“I’m glad I didn’t create any problems with the drivers. The finger was being pointed before the race, and that was understandable. The goal was to stay out of trouble and not make enemies … so the next time I come back everything will be a little easier." Winston Salem Journal