Schrader tops final test day

However, it was Ricky Rudd who ended up setting the fastest time over the course of the testing, which saw the Nextel Cup teams divided into two groups.

BAM Racing has benefited from increased Dodge backing since midway through last season. Schrader set his fastest time of 47.925s during single-car runs on Thursday afternoon, using his old 2003 car.

Elliot Sadler was second fastest for Robert Yates Racing, ahead of Ricky Rudd and Jeff Gordon.

Jimmie Johnson set the seventh fastest time, although he caused major damage to his primary car, which the team had planned to run in the forthcoming Daytona 500.

"It's really hard to spin a car out here, especially by yourself," said Johnson. "We're not really sure yet if it was water or if there is some oil down [on the track] or something, but without a doubt there is something on the track that knocked out our good race car."

Ken Schrader Dodge 47.925s
Elliott Sadler Ford 47.958s
Ricky Rudd Ford 47.986s
Jeff Gordon Chevrolet 48.003s
John Andretti Chevrolet 48.018s
Casey Mears Dodge 48.018s
Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet 48.035s
Bill Elliott Dodge 48051s
Jeff Burton Ford 48.101s
Kyle Petty Dodge 48.110s