BUSCH: Daytona qualifying notes

Martin Truex Jr. on The Pole For Hershey's Kisses 300

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 13, 2004) -- Martin Truex Jr., driving the No. 81 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt, captured the pole for Saturday's Hershey's Kisses 300 NASCAR Busch Series race at historic Daytona International Speedway.

Truex turned a fast lap of 181.140 mph and will lead the 43-car field to the green flag on Saturday. Truex's car owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., will start eighth in the No. 8 Ritz/Oreo Chevrolet as he chases his third straight Hershey's Kisses 300 victory.

"Bono (crew chief Kevin Manion) told me we were going to best the boss," Truex said. "He has been saying that since the first day of testing. (The team) did a great job over the winter building actually four cars. I can't thank them enough. We've probably got one of the best teams out here."

Starting alongside Truex on the front row for the Hershey's Kisses 300 will be Ron Hornaday, who turned a lap of 181.108 mph in the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing.

Rounding out the top five were Kevin Harvick (180.832), David Stremme (180.563) and Robby Gordon (180.502).

Other notable qualifiers for Saturday's race include Kasey Kahne (ninth, 180.245), Joe Nemechek (10th, 180.133), Michael Waltrip (11th, 179.989), Kyle Busch (14th, 179.508), Matt Kenseth (29th, 177.592) and Greg Biffle (33rd, 177.396).

Among the drivers failing to qualify for the Hershey's Kisses 300 was Mark Martin, who was 52nd fastest in the No. 9 Chevrolet with a speed of 172.061.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2004 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

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