July 06, 2007

DAYTONA, F.L. – Michael Waltrip and the NAPA Racing team did not qualify for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway after thunderstorms led to the cancellation of Friday’s qualifying session.

Thirty-nine drivers completed qualifying attempts before rain began falling at the racetrack. Although Waltrip’s qualifying lap of 48.831 seconds (184.309 mph) was good enough for fifth on the grid at the time of the rainout, he will not start the race. The 43-car starting field was determined by owners’ points, per NASCAR regulations. Waltrip is 48th in the owner standings and ranked 51st of the drivers entered for the Daytona event.

Jeff Gordon will start from the pole for Saturday night’s race, followed by Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr.

Four Toyota teams will compete in the Pepsi 400. Brian Vickers will start 36th, followed by Dale Jarrett in 37th, Dave Blaney in 40th, and rookie David Reutimann in 42nd position.

Live coverage of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway begins Saturday, July 7 at 6:30 P.M. EDT on TNT. If you can’t catch the race on TV, it can be heard on your local MRN Radio affiliate starting at the same time. Remember to check your local listings as dates and times of the race may change.

Pepsi 400 Starting Lineup:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2007/18/data/lineup.html

Practice 2 Results:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2007/18/data/practice2_speeds.html

Next Up:
USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 15
2006 Winner: Jeff Gordon
2006 Pole:Jeff Gordon
Television: TNT at 2:30 pm
Radio: MRN