Gordon Quick in First Watkins Glen Practice

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2002) -- Defending NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon was the fastest Hendrick Motorsports driver during pre-qualifying practice at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on Friday. Gordon was eighth in the session, posting a time of 72.096 seconds and a 122.337-mph speed in the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. In the No. 48 Lowe’s Monte Carlo, rookie Jimmie Johnson was next among the four Hendrick drivers at 72.489 seconds and 121.674 mph. Joe Nemechek was 28th in the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevy, with a 73.051-second time and a 120.738-mph speed. Two-time Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte was 34th overall in the No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet at 73.168 seconds and 120.545 mph. Scott Pruett was quickest in pre-qualifying practice, posting a 71.661-second time and a speed of 123.079 mph. The Sirius Satellite Radio @ The Glen is scheduled for a 1 p.m. EDT start on Sunday, Aug. 11 at Watkins Glen International. Qualifying will start at 3:05 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9.