Another "car won't start" story... Input?

[WaKeMaN]

Hey all,

Thought I'd get some opinions before I get it towed to the shop. I did a search but no one I found had quite the same situation.

I'll set the scene. This morning the car started perfectly, and ran fine. I was on the highway (65 ish) and was getting off an exit ramp. Had to slow down real quick because of construction at the end of the ramp. I was idling at a slight negative incline when the car bucked slightly, went back to normal, bucked slightly again and then died. When I tried to start it when traffic started moving again, no go. It turned over like a champ, but didn't fire. I tried listening for the fuel pump, but I couldn't here it over the passing cars and swearing drivers that I was impeding.

I'm guessing it's either a freak timing thing or a bad fuel pump. Any suggestions? Car's a 97 SE 5spd. with 78,000 miles.

Thanks folks.