(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
It's plate day at Daytona. Sprint Cup teams have been busy being issued their restrictor plates.
NASCAR also issues shocks and springs to each team for the race. Teams have a choice of 500-pound springs or 525-pound springs.
Plates are issued first, and then inspected. After that it's time for shocks and then coil springs. All items must be assembled and installed in front of NASCAR inspectors, and then the car is sent back through final inspection before qualifying.
Ryan Newman will be first out for qualifying, with his teammate Tony Stewart rolling off 24th.
With Newman going out first, they should provide some good information to Stewart's team before he has to take to the track.
A Hendrick engine specialist, seen here, uses a high-tech medical device to see how Stewart's engine is performing.
Kenny Wallace was in the media center promoting his efforts to race in Canada later this year.
"We are getting great response from our online effort," said Wallace. "Fans have been very generous in their contributions and support. We are about 70 percent to our goal of $100,000."
Fans can find all the information they need at www.KennyWallace.com.
As a good-faith gesture, Francois Dumontier reached into his pocket and offered Wallace a $20 bill for support.
Weather was an issue for Sprint Cup qualifying. NASCAR moved up the start time for qualifying in order to avoid the inclement weather.
A rain storm containing thunder and lightning engulfed the speedway before Nationwide qualifying was completed.
NASCAR subsequently cancelled Sprint Cup qualifying, but was able to eventually finish Nationwide qualifying.
Sprint Cup drivers will start Saturday night's race based on points.
Richard Petty is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this final win this weekend. He addressed the media and fielded a variety of questions.
When asked about his Hall of Fame nomination, Petty said he was honored. He feels NASCAR should first look closer at those who planted the seeds in the sport.
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