RUSTY STARTS EIGHTH IN SUNDAY'S DAYTONA 500


By virtue of his finish in today's twin 125-mile qualifying, Rusty Wallace will start his Miller Lite Dodge in the eighth starting spot in Sunday's 45th annual Daytona 500 here at Daytona International Speedway.

Rusty finished fourth in the second 50-lap, 125-mile qualifier,

"My car was too tight at the beginning of the race, but the guys gave me a great stop and took a couple rounds of wedge out," Rusty said after climbing from his car. "That was just what the car needed. The car was great the remainder of the race.

"I guess starting back there in 21st and finishing fourth like we did shows that qualifying really doesn't mean anything. I'm really happy with the way the car performed and I think we'll be super strong on Sunday.

"They (the DEI cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip) didn't just run away from us. We were able to hook up and run them down and that gives us a lot of promise for Sunday's race. (Tony) Stewart was patient in following me and I stayed behind the 54 car (Todd Bodine) and we were able to chase down the two guys up front.

"What was up for grabs here today were the starting spots for Sunday, so there was no use to play all the cards. I think that it'll be different in Sunday's race, where all the marbles are up for grabs. You'll see some valiant moves during the final laps of that one.

"We have a great chance to win here on Sunday and wouldn't that be great?
I know there are a ton of fans who'd like for us to pull it off and get 'em all some free beer. We'd all have a helluva time if we can win the thing, I'll tell you that."

Earnhardt won the second 125-miler, with Waltrip finishing second, Bodine third, Rusty fourth and Stewart fifth. Robby Gordon won the first 125-miler, with pole-winner Jeff Green second, Ricky Rudd third, Sterling Marlin fourth and Jeff Burton fifth.

Sunday's top 10 starters, in order, are Green, Earnhardt, Robby Gordon, Waltrip, Rudd, Bodine, Marlin, Rusty, Jeff Burton and Stewart.

Sunday's Daytona 500 has a 1:00 p.m. EST starting time and features live coverage by FOX-TV and MRN Radio.