Bliss drafts to top
Mike Bliss emerges fastest on the final day of winter tests at Daytona International Speedway for the so-called 'odd teams', after a rain-delayed session that lasted well past nightfall. The "even" teams (those in even positions from last year's final standings) arrive on Tuesday for their three-day run
Known as 'draft day', recorded speeds on the final day meant little in drafting practice, when drivers pack together in three-wide groups to test the aerodynamic and race-ability of their cars. Teams spent the first two days of testing making solo runs, in preparation for Daytona 500 pole day on February 13.
The fastest time recorded was that of Bliss in the No 0 Chevrolet. Bliss caught a gust that boosted him to a lap in 48.139s (186.959mph) - not that much above Dale Jarrett's stand-alone best from Wednesday.
Jamie McMurray, Travis Kvapil, Michael Waltrip, Mike Skinner (in a Bill Davis Dodge) and Kyle Busch also gained speed in the draft, as expected, with McMurray coming from off the chart to second fastest at 48.268s, and Kvapil, likewise, improving to fourth at 48.340s.
Jarrett, meanwhile, was 11th on the sheet with a time actually slower (48.469) than his Wednesday run. It is not known whether that time was caught in a draft or alone. Jeff Gordon, also fast during the first two days, was 16th at 48.534s.
Mike Bliss (Chevrolet), 48.139s, 186.959mph
Jamie McMurray (Dodge), 48.268s, 186.459mph
Greg Biffle (Ford), 48.338s, 186.189mph
Travis Kvapil (Dodge), 48.340s, 186.181mph
Jeremy Mayfield (Dodge), 48.369s, 186.070mph
Michael Waltrip (Chevrolet), 48.415s, 185.893mph
Mike Skinner (Dodge), 48.444s, 185.759mph
Elliott Sadler (Ford), 48.450s, 185.759mph
Kyle Busch (Chevrolet), 48.464s, 185.705mph
Carl Edwards (Ford), 48.466s, 185.697mph
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