There were 11 lead changes among nine drivers in the second Twin after six drivers had swapped the point 10 times in the first 50-lap qualifying race for Sunday's Daytona 500. Last year's 500 produced nine lead changes among seven drivers. The driver does a lot more than people give credit for. There is a handling factor to this race track. We go through there sideways.
Cars get loose and move around.
As much as Earnhardt Jr. wanted to win Thursday, he realized the big prize is Sunday. That's what you worry about sitting there running side by side - somebody making a mistake. Junior's only mistake was leading the wrong line. Skinner had the high groove, which gave him a slight advantage coming out of Turn 4 heading to the stripe. It was just like the IROC race with my father.