Homestead-Miami testing day one notes

Points-Leader Kurt Busch Leads Testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Preparation For Ford Championship Weekend

Defending Series Champion Kenseth, Petty and Green also Take Laps

MIAMI, FL (11/2/04) - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points-leader Kurt Busch in his No. 97 Sharpie Ford was fastest as testing opened Tuesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Busch's lap of 173.077 mph (31.23 sec) bested three other cars including teammate Matt Kenseth on the first day of the two-day session. The teams were preparing for the upcoming Ford Championship Weekend, the season-finales for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series, Nov. 18-21, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Defending series champion Kenseth was second fastest in his No. 17 Dewalt Tools Ford with a lap of 172.524 mph (31.34 mph). Kenseth was followed by Jeff Green in the No. 43 Cheerios Dodge at 171.975 (31.40 sec.) and Kyle Petty in his No. 45 Georgia Pacific Dodge at 170.866 mph (31.59 sec).

Testing continues Wednesday with Busch, Kenseth, and Petty at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Testing is open to the public free of charge. Fans may view tomorrow's testing from the Speedway's Club Level.

For more information or to order tickets to Ford Championship Weekend, call (305) 230-RACE or log on homesteadmiamispeedway.com.

Unofficial times and speeds for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Testing November 2 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway: <pre> 1. 97 Kurt Busch 31.23 sec 173.077 mph 2. 17 Matt Kenseth 31.34 sec 172.524 mph 3. 43 Jeff Green 31.40 sec 171.975 mph 4. 45 Kyle Petty 31.59 sec 170.866 mph

-hms-