Daytona Speedweeks 2004, part 2

From Front To Back, The Gatorade 125's A Can't Miss

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Nov. 11, 2003) - From the front to the back, the Gatorade 125's traditionally produce some of the most exciting racing during Speedweeks as drivers fight for starting spots in the Daytona 500 - "The Great American Race."

The Gatorade 125's, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12, are unique in the nature that you have exciting tight racing no matter where you look. The driver's primary goal is to win the race but the middle of the pack is where the action is as drivers fight for starting berths in the Daytona 500.

The Daytona 500 uses a different qualifying procedure than any other race in the world. On Bud Pole Day, Sunday Feb. 8, only the fastest two cars solidify their starting spots for the Daytona 500. The fastest qualifier will earn the pole for both the Daytona 500 and the first 125-mile qualifying race. The second fastest qualifier earns the outside pole for the Daytona 500 and will start on the pole for the second 125-mile qualifying race.

Drivers qualifying in odd-number positions will duel in the first race while drivers that qualify in even-number positions duke it out in the second race.

The top-14 finishers not including the pole sitter in the first 125-mile qualifying race will line up behind the Daytona 500 pole sitter, while the top-14 finishers not including the outside pole sitter in the second 125-mile qualifying race will line up behind the outside Daytona 500 pole sitter.

The next six Daytona 500 starting positions (31-36) are awarded to the drivers with the fastest speed after Bud Pole qualifying. The final seven positions (37-43) are given to teams that are entitled to a provisional.

Robby Gordon picked up his first stock car win at the "World Center of Racing" winning the first 125-mile race and Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the checkered flag in the second 125-mile race.

In the first Gatorade 125, Gordon made his winning pass on then Richard Childress Racing teammate and Daytona 500 pole winner Jeff Green on pit road thanks to a quick two-tire pit stop by his crew.

In the second Gatorade 125, Earnhardt Jr. had his familiar drafting partner and DEI teammate Michael Waltrip in tow as he led three times for 38 laps on his way to his first career Gatorade 125 win.

"I've run fourth, second and second in the three years I've run it and it's a lot of fun," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet. "It's an exciting race in itself. A little battle in its own way.

"You have to position yourself and it's fun for me because you learn who you're going to be racing against on Sunday, what kind of moves they are going to be making, what to predict from some of the people and what you can do with your own car. It's a great practice run. It's a practice that does pay."

Who will visit the hallowed grounds of Daytona International Speedway's Gatorade Victory Lane in next year's 125-mile qualifying races? Only time will tell but you can bet there will be a furious battle as drivers attempt to get their machines in the field for the "Great American Race."

Tickets for the Gatorade 125's are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

-dis-