Nemechek Quickest in Daytona Qualifying Practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2003) – Driving the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevrolet, Joe Nemechek paced the field in Saturday’s final practice before Sunday’s Daytona 500 qualifying session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The Lakeland, Fla., native was the only driver to break the 185-mph barrier, topping the speed chart at 185.189 mph. Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Monte Carlo, was fifth overall, followed by Jeff Gordon in 25th, Terry Labonte in 30th and David Green in 33rd. Nemechek was also the fastest of his teammates in the first session at fifth overall, followed by Labonte in 24th and Johnson in 36th. Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon was 41st and David Green 45th in the No. 60 HAAS Automation Chevy. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was fastest in the early practice at 184.521 mph. Jimmie Johnson, last year’s Daytona 500 pole-sitter, was 16th in the Lowe’s Chevy, followed by Jeff Gordon in 29th, Terry Labonte in 37th and David Green in 39th. Driving the No. 24 DuPont Monte Carlo, Gordon will join Nemechek in the first Gatorade 125, along with Labonte in the No. 5 Kellogg’s / got milk? Chevy and David Green in the No. 60 HAAS Automation entry. Starting on the outside of Row 4, Johnson will be the only Hendrick Motorsports driver in the second of the Twin 125s.