Rain Washes Out Darlington Time Trials

DARLINGTON, S.C. (Nov.12 , 2004) – Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will start in the top five for Sunday’s event at Darlington Raceway after NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying was rained out Friday. Set by owner points, Gordon will start the No. 24 DuPont Chevy from the outside pole while Johnson will line up fourth on the grid in the No. 48 Lowe’s machine. Gordon and Johnson will be followed by teammate Terry Labonte, who will start 24th in the No. 5 Kellogg’s Monte Carlo. Driving the No. 25 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolet, rookie Brian Vickers will begin the Southern 500 from 26th. NASCAR Busch Series qualifying was rained out earlier in the day as well. Team Lowe’s Racing driver Kyle Busch will line up as the outside pole-sitter for tomorrow’s event. Saturday’s on-track activities will proceed as scheduled, weather permitting. The first NEXTEL Cup practice will begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the final “Happy Hour” session at 11:10 a.m. ET, and then later 200-mile Busch Series event, which will air on TNT at 1 p.m. Sunday’s Cup Series event will air on NBC and is slated for a 1:30 p.m. ET green flag.