Hendrick Teams Fast in California Practices

FONTANA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2005) – All five of Hendrick Motorsports’ NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams were listed in the top-15 in Friday’s final “Happy Hour” practice at California Speedway. Jeff Gordon was fifth overall in the second of two practices on the day, posting a quick lap of 38.676 seconds (186.162 mph) in his No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. Driving the No. 25 GMAC/ditech.com Chevy, Brian Vickers was eighth in the session, followed by Jimmie Johnson in ninth and rookie Kyle Busch in the 12th spot. Making his first NEXTEL Cup appearance of the year, Terry Labonte was 15th in the No. 44 Kellogg’s Chevrolet. California marks the kickoff of the two-time champion’s 10-race 2005 schedule. Gordon paced the field in Friday’s first practice session at 38.759 seconds (185.763 mph), with Jimmie Johnson fifth in the No. 48 Lowe’s Monte Carlo. Busch was 27th in the No. 5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevy, while Vickers was 28th. Labonte and the No. 44 team did not participate in the early practice. Qualifying for Sunday’s 500-miler at California Speedway will begin at 3:10 p.m. ET Saturday.