Daytona day 1: Johnson leads the way

Johnson was fastest of the 23 drivers that tested on Monday, the first of a three-day test, in his Chevrolet Monte Carlo which is co-owned by Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon and his team boss Rick Hendrick. Teams were using a new aerodynamic and restrictor plate package, but Johnson was only a tenth slower than Bill Elliott's pole time for last year's Daytona 500

Another significant performance came from second fastest Stacy Compton, who has joined AJ Foyt's Pontiac team from Melling Racing for 2002.

"These guys built a good car and brought it here," said Compton. "If you run fast here, it's because you've got a really good car and a really good motor. I think we've got a little of both. We need to be a little bit better. I think by the end of the test, some people are going to pick up some speed. Hopefully, we will too."

Ward Burton was the quickest Dodge on the day, his time good enough for third overall, ahead of the Chevrolets of Robby Gordon, Terry Labonte and Jeff Gordon.

The top Ford driver was eighth placed Geoffrey Bodine.


Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 183.120mph.
Stacy Compton, Pontiac, 183.087mph
Ward Burton, Dodge, 183.064mph
Robby Gordon, Chevrolet, 182.793mph
Terry Labonte, Chevrolet, 182.723mph
Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 182.685mph
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Chevrolet, 182.641mph
Geoffrey Bodine, Ford, 182.508mph
Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet, 182.006mph
Sterling Marlin, Dodge, 181.848mph