Off to Daytona
I'm heading off to Daytona for the 125's and the BGN race.  (Pretty amazing since I wasn't even planning on going three weeks ago!)  All my cameras are packed and hope to get some good pictures of his new cars - which I will be sharing with you when I get back.  I'm really looking forward to meeting Johnny's new team and plan to be busy going between the BGN and Cup garages.  Let's hope for a safe and successful Daytona week. 
                   Thank you for all your support!  Barb
 

Daytona 500 Qualifying
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 8th at noon.  Johnny will qualify in the 43rd position.   

Johnny turned in a time of 48.734 which places him 40th fastest.  Greg Biffle earned the pole position (a first for Jack Roush) at 47.774. 

Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is unique.  Only the top two qualifiers are given a spot in the field. The next 28 positions are determined by the twin 125-mile qualifying races -- 14 from each race. Then it goes back to the qualifying results, with six more spots doled out based on Sunday's results. Finally, the last seven spots are determined by last year's car-owner points.  (02-08-04)
 

First Day on the Track
There were 2 practice sessions for the Nextel Cup cars to qualify for the Daytona 500 on Saturday, February 7th.  There are 46 cars entered for the 500.  Johnny was behind the wheel of the #09 Miccosukee Resort Dodge owned by James Finch.  

In the first practice session, Johnny turned in a lap of 42.282 with a speed of 186.405 placing him 26th fastest.  Joe Nemechek turned in the fastest lap at a time of 47.830 and speed of 188.166. 

In the second practice session, Johnny's time was 48.367 at a speed of 186.077.  Elliott Sadler turned in a time that was the fastest of the day with a time of 47.527 at a speed of 189.366. 

Johnny was interviewed during the practice session by pit reporter Dave Burns.  He mentioned that the #09 is a brand new car and they had problems with the gear right off the truck.  Once the gear problem was fixed and changes were made, Johnny registered his best lap of the day during the first session.   They made more changes and when he went out in the 2nd session, Johnny said they went backwards and needed to get the car back to where they started from.  He seemed very confident about the best time he turned because they were in clean air and did not get drafting help with other cars on the track. 

Johnny also mentioned that he is running 12 races in the #09 Dodge.  Once I get confirmation on what those additional races will be -it will be posted on the site.     (02-08-04)


JBFC Annual Contests
Just a reminder that the deadline for the JBFC Annual Contest is Friday, February 13th.  Your entry must be postmarked with that date.   (02-08-04)
 

Talladega Testing
Johnny and the Phoenix Racing Team tested at Talladega last weekend.  It gave Johnny an opportunity to get comfortable with his Cup car.  Other drivers testing at the track include Michael Waltrip and Joe Nemechek.  (02-03-04)
 

February 2004 Newsletter
The February newsletter is now in the mail!  Thank you to Ashley, Tammy, Char and Kelly for helping me get the newsletters in the mail.  We are still accepting memberships for the 2004 season.  Once you join, it may up to 2 - 3 weeks for your newsletter to be mailed.  Thank you for your support!  (01-29-04)