Daytona: John Wes Townley qualifying report

JOHN WES TOWNLEY WILL START 28TH IN THE LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST 200 AT DAYTONA

Daytona Beach, FL (2-6-09) -- There were 54 cars on site at Daytona International Speedway today to qualify for the 46th annual Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. John Wes Townley, driver of the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford Fusion, was the 45th car to take time, and circled the 2.5-mile superspeedway in 50.449 seconds with a speed of 178.398 mph, putting the 19-year old Watkinsville, GA native 28th fastest on the speed charts.

"It's not where we wanted to start," admitted Townley. "We had to bring out the back-up car yesterday and didn't get many laps on it. It's the same car we raced at Talladega in October, so I know it's fast and will be great in the draft."

During a five hour practice session Thursday, Townley, who will be making his second start at Daytona, ran over a piece of debris entering turn one. The unfortunate event cut down the left rear tire, ultimately sending Townley into the wall and forcing the team to bring out a back-up car.

Townley and the Zaxby's Racing team took advantage of a limited impound practice session Friday evening, posting a top-10 in final practice. The No. 09 Zaxby's Ford Fusion ended the evening session eighth with a time of 49.424 seconds and a speed of 182.098 mph.

-credit: trab