Craven scores best finish at Lowe's

CONCORD, N.C. -- In the longest, most grueling race of the year, Ricky Craven earned his best finish of the season so far.

Rarely running out of the top 20 in the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600, Craven said his finish was more about his team than the driver.

	Ricky Craven, Credit: Allsport/Getty Images

"That was a great display of teamwork because we had a third-place car and the guys got me off pit road great," Craven said. "They made some great decisions and we just battled all night. I'm just proud of this Tide team.

"I was disappointed to finish third, but I got over that. This was the one race I singled out for the season. And, the guys gave me one heck of a piece. It was a lot of fun and it's a great way to make a living."

With that finish, Craven moved up three spots to 13th on the points chart with three top-fives and four top-10 finishes.

Mark Martin picked up his first victory in 73 races and a No Bull $1 Million bonus, as well. Craven may have been momentarily disappointed about his third-place effort, but he was pleased for Martin.

"I'm happy for Mark," Craven said. "He's had a quite a drought. He's one of the best in the business."