So with anticipation of the NASCAR season about to begin in a few weeks time, So it was kinda close on which was a favorite but it  was the first Advanced Auto Parts Clash ran under the lights in 2003. It would start with Breet Bodine on pole but his race would be short lived due to a suspension problem. This left Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson race for the lead until Dale Earnhardt Jr comes from the back to the front to the fans pleasure. The DEI driver went on to win the segment. The race would get back racing as drivers would pit for the last time in the race. Mark Martin Ken Schrader and Ricky Rudd would only take fuel. Jr would take 2 tires along with the rest of the field but Jimmie Johnson has 4 tires because he flat spotted them coming to the pits. Meanwhile Jeff Gordon leads but with 5 laps to go Dale Earnhardt Jr would get the race lead with help from Ryan Newman. He just pulled away in the corners so much that he was just unstoppable. Dale Jr would win the race to start off 2003 on the right track. He would also go on to have a good year with a 3rd place points finish to get more experience like his father did before he won his 7 championships.