NASCAR Cup

Sadler quickest in final practice at Charlotte

Elliott Sadler charted the fastest lap in final practice for NEXTEL Cup teams at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Sadler's lap of 182.051 mph eclipsed the rest of the field by almost one mile-per-hour. "We have a great car for Saturday night," commented ...

Published: Oct 16, 2004, 6:31 PM

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Elliott Sadler charted the fastest lap in final practice for NEXTEL Cup teams at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Sadler's lap of 182.051 mph eclipsed the rest of the field by almost one mile-per-hour.

"We have a great car for Saturday night," commented Sadler. "I can't wait for the race. I feel I have a really good shot at winning the race."

Sadler ran just 18 laps before parking the No. 38 Robert Yates Racing Ford because it was simply just that good. Sadler was the biggest gainer in points last weekend, moving up four positions to fourth in the Chase for the Championship.

Rusty Wallace was second quickest, with a lap of 181.684 mph.

"We're pretty happy with that," said Wallace. "We've picked up quite a bit from this afternoon."

Jimmie Johnson, Joe Nemechek and Tony Stewart complete the top five.

Pole sitter Ryan Newman, who clipped off the first 188 mph lap ever at Lowe's Motor Speedway, slowed in practice. He was only 24th fastest with a lap of 179.748 mph.

Point leader Kurt Busch grabbed the 11th speediest lap with a 180.687 mph.

"The temperatures have really cooled off since yesterday," said Busch. "We're going to work on it; I think we will be good for tomorrow night."

Jamie McMurray slapped the wall in the No. 42 Ganassi Dodge during second practice for NEXTEL Cup teams. McMurray blew a right rear tire coming out of turn four and hit the wall on the front stretch. The damage was significant enough for the 42 team to haul out the back up car, which means McMurray will have to drop to the rear of the field on Saturday night.

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