Daytona day 3: Drafting starts

Burton, who was fourth fastest the previous day, powered his Dodge to the top of the times with a fastest lap of 184.9 mph.

"I didn't have anybody right in front of me," said Burton, "but when I exited Turn 2 there was a small pack going into Turn 3. It could have been a little bit of help, but we had run some 48.80s [seconds] before then."

Chevrolet's Kenny Wallace finished second behind Burton in the draft, ahead of the Fords of Kurt Busch, Dale Jarrett and Mark Martin.

The new aero/plate package introduced by NASCAR for testing seems to have alleviated some of the dangers of the pack racing which led to multi-car crashes in last year's 500 and October's race at Talladega. But early indications are that, with less engine power, track position will be critical.

"I'd say it's headed that way a little bit," added Burton. "The thing is, I don't think the other scenario is a safe scenario. I don't think this scenario we're going into is that safe either - not that anything you do about Daytona is going to make it safe. We knew that going into it."

The Chevrolet of rookie Jimmie Johnson remains fastest overall, setting the solo mark of 183.816mph Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, before drafting practice began, Johnson posted a 183.415mph to once again lead the field.

Ward Burton, Dodge, 184.961mph
Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet, 184.502 mph
Kurt Busch, Ford, 183.948 mph
Dale Jarrett, Ford, 183.902 mph
Mark Martin, Ford, 183.793 mph
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 183.711 mph
Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 183.505 mph
Mike Skinner, Chevrolet, 183.419 mph
Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 183.262 mph
Brett Bodine, Ford, 183.146 mph