By Kellyanne Lynch, mikeypower.com
11 February 2006
Michael Waltrip participated in two Nextel Cup practices today at Daytona International Speedway, in preparation for Daytona 500 qualifying.
First practice began at 10:30pm; however, Mikey's #55 Napa Auto Parts Dodge did not take to the track until thirty-five minutes later. The #55 turned two laps before returning to the garage. Mikey turned the better of the pair in 49.476 seconds at 181.906 MPH, ranking 32nd of 39th at the time. He slipped to 35th while off the track, as Elliott Sadler led. After the track returned from a debris black-flag, Mikey returned to the track at approximately 11:50pm. He completed three more laps, and bettered his previous time with a 49.407-second lap at 182.160 MPH. He ranked 49th. Although he returned to the track at 12:26pm, Mikey did not top his previous speed. He finished the session 50th of 58, 1.636 seconds behind fastest lap-turner Kevin Harvick.
1:30pm saw the start of the second session. Mikey came onto the track a half hour into practice.
He completed three laps, and ranked 33rd at the time with a 49.205-second lap at 182.908 MPH. Debris and then rain at 2:20pm cut any chances of him returning to the track.
He finished 45th of 54 drivers on the speed charts, 1.448 seconds behind session leader Elliott Sadler.
Watch Mikey tonight in the Budweiser Shootout! Coverage of the non-points race begins tomorrow at 8:00pm ET on TNT. Qualifying for the Daytona 500 starts tomorrow at noon on NBC.
