The toughest part of Mast's day were the pitstops. Each time the jack came down, the two-rib injury hurt more than ever. Mast is pleased with how things are shaping up and looks forward to better finishes when this very new team gels everything together. Jeff Burton made another miracle run from 37 th to runner up and Tony Stewart looked back in form to grab a ninth despite a late race penalty. This Sunday the Cup teams take to the tough flat half-mile at Martinsville Speedway.
Brakes are the order of the day as no where else on the circuit are they more in demand.
Jeff Fuller's rise to stardom in the No. 27 Viagra has gone away and will be replaced by Mike Bliss, starting with Sunday's run. I applaud this rule finally going into effect. Besides the Cup and Truck boys at Martinsville, the Busch teams will be competing on Saturday afternoon in Nashville. Several new faces will be attempting to qualify, among them Steadman Marlin, Sterling's boy will make his debut, as will Jason Schuler in the No. 17 usually driven by Matt Kenseth and Ruckersville driver Philip Morris will return to the seat in the No. 30 car. The George deBidart owned Littler Trees Chevy will see Morris attempt to qualify among an all Busch field of 52 cars.