Elliott quickest in Daytona testing

Elliott, who only announced his return to NASCAR's most prestigious race last week,  posted a pace-setting lap of 187.219 mph.

Elliott's 48.072-seconds time around the 2.5-mile tri-oval beat Jimmie Johnson's to the the top spot. Johnson also was second fasted in the morning session, which was led by Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon.

Elliott's time in the number 36 MB2 car was yet more impressive as he backed it up with another quick time in the No. 36b car, putting that car in fifth.

"I'm stepping into an already good deal. MB2 has a history of fast superspeedway cars," said Elliott. "We got by the first hurdle by having a fast car as soon as it was unloaded. If you're not fast off the trailer, it's then difficult to find that extra speed. We're in good shape after the first day of testing."

The test session also marked the debut of Ford's new Fusion model, which proved to be competitive, posting the third fastest time in the hands of Elliott Sadler.

"I really like the new car," Sadler said. "It's a sportier car. I'm really happy with everything. When we unloaded the cars this morning, we knew the Fusion was going to be fast. We think it's going to be very good aerodynamically. As driver and a team, we need to learn how to use it to its full effect."

Tony Stewart, the 2005 NEXTEL Cup champion, is absent during this week's test on promotional duty, and his car is being driven by veteran Mike McLaughlin.

Only drivers whose cars finished in odd-numbered owner points positions are eligible to participate in this first three-day session, with the rest taking part at the same time next week.