Friday, February 11

In morning practice, Derrike went 12th laps and was 48th fastest with a time of 48.631 and speed of 185.067.

In afternoon practice, he went 15 laps and was 40th fastest with a time of 48.338 and speed of 186.188.

Saturday, February 12

Derrike was 40th fastest in practice with a time of 48.276 and speed of 186.428.

In first round qualifying for the first two spots in the starting grid, Derrike finished 37th of 57 drivers with a time of 47.968 and speed of 187.625. After qualifying, Derrike said, "We put our other engine in from Ernie Elliott and we didn't really get a chance to do much. We had a little problem with an oil tank fitting and we didn't really get a chance to see what we had this morning. I knew we had a little left and the guys did a great job. It's a good effort today. We're excited. We'll see how this all shakes out and get ready for the 125."

Monday, February 14

In the morning practice, Derrike was 2nd fastest with a time of 46.679 and speed of 192.806.

Jerry Punch interviewed Derrike during practice. Derrike said that they didn't run the Bud Shootout Qualifier race because it wasn't cost effective with no sponsor. He was asked if they would be able to run the whole year if a sponsor came on and Derrike says that is the plan now. Jerry commented that Derrike is driving his tail off and Derrike said they have to put the cars in positions that they know they will have on Thursday. They will not requalify because it would affect the starting position on Thursday. They would have had to run a 46 or 47 to get in on time anyway. He says that getting into and doing well in the 500 will help with bringing on a sponsor. Derrike's helmet had Fenley-Moore and State Fair corn dogs on it. Note: Thanks to Bruce Bates for this information.

The team did not requalify in the second round, but as a result of others, moved up to 36th. Derrike will be starting in the Gatorade 125-mile qualifying race number 2 in the 18th position.

Tuesday, February 14

In practice, Derrike was 6th fastest with a time of 46.675 and speed of 192.822. 

An article about Derrike was on a website.

Wednesday, February 15

Jayski's NASCAR Winston Cup Silly Season Site (www.jayski.com) posted a photo of the #15 car.

In practice, Derrike was 36th fastest with a time of 47.084 and speed of 191.147.

Gatorade Twin 125

The twin races took place on Thursday. Derrike started in 18th position in the second Gatorade 125-mile qualifying race. Derrike completed all 50 laps and finished the race in 6th position. This qualifies the team for the Daytona 500. After the race, Derrike had the following quotes:

DID YOU KNOW THE FIRST COUPLE OF LAPS YOU WERE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RACE LIKE THAT?  "I knew we could run like that for awhile, but I didn't know what it would bring late in the race. After about 35 laps I was worried we'd be tight in the wheel there and that's why I pedaled the car and was real careful early just hoping I'd have a little bit left to race those guys in the end."

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET BUD MOORE BACK IN THE DAYTONA 500?  "I don't know, maybe it's about Bud Moore getting me back in the Daytona 500 and to maybe win one again. It's nice to be back. I know they struggled last year and they didn't get in because of a wreck but they were good enough to be in. It means a lot to Spartanburg (S.C.). I know I have a lot of friends there. I grew up in Campobello and Inman there and there are a lot of people who support me there and Bud as well. It's nice to get them back on the map. Now, we just need a little something on this car now. If we get us a little color or a little flash, maybe we'd be a little more exciting."

Because of Derrike's good run, NASCAR Online had a story.

Friday, February 18

In the morning practice, Derrike was 22nd fastest of the 43 drivers with a time of 47.060 and speed of 191.245.

Bud Moore was interviewed. NOTE: Moore flew back to Spartanburg, S.C. yesterday, but conducted the following interview over the phone this morning from the team's race shop.

WHY DIDN'T YOU STAY IN DAYTONA? "I came back last night to try and get some fire under these guys and get ready for Rockingham. We want to get everything squared away so we're ready to go, but, I tell you, we had a hell of a car yesterday. That right there is something that, if you don't make the Daytona 500 at the first of the year, you're in deep trouble because that's what helps build your team up and put a fire under them. But for us with a new team and a new driver, to go down there and finish sixth, that was unbelievable. I can already see how excited the guys are here back at the shop this morning. This means a whole bunch because we're still looking for sponsorship, and I'm hoping this will open some eyes and help get things rolling. We're looking forward to this weekend because I think we've got as good a shot as anybody at winning that thing."

WHAT MEMORIES STAND OUT IN YOUR CAREER? "Besides winning the championship with Joe Weatherly in '62 and '63, that was a good deal, but the thing that always flashes back to me is winning the Daytona 500 in 1978 with Bobby Allison. Bobby Allison was another one of the greatest drivers that ever came along and he won quite a few races with us. That feat of winning the Daytona 500, every driver and every car owner or everybody that's been involved, the biggest thrill has always been to win the Daytona 500. Right now it's a thrill to win the Brickyard 400, but, still, there's something about winning the Daytona 500 that stands out above all of them. One reason is because it's the first race of the season. Everybody's been off and all the fans are waiting to see the new season start. I don't know, it's just something that the Daytona 500 is a race that stands out by itself and is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR racing today."

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT WINNING THAT DAYTONA 500?  "We ran awful good all day and we led the race most of the way. I tell you what, I didn't know what to think I was so thrilled. When we came around to get the white flag I was just hoping and praying. In fact, I even got down on my knees and I was just hoping we would get back to the start-finish line and we did. That was one of the biggest thrills in my whole career is knowing I have won the Daytona 500."

WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE FOR YOU THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS TRYING TO FIND SPONSORSHIP AND NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPETE IN THIS EVENT?  "It's been hard on us, especially when you've been in the sport as long as I have. I've been around since 1947 when we made our first start to where it is today, and to sit home and watch on TV hurt me real bad. I've got racing in my blood. I've been doing it all my life. One of the big thrills I've always gotten is to see my car go out to the starting line on Sunday morning, and I don't think that will ever change."

I GUESS IT WILL BE DIFFERENT WATCHING ON TV AT LEAST KNOWING THAT YOUR CAR IS IN THE RACE, RIGHT? "I haven't made up my mind yet, I may come back. We're getting ready for Rockingham and our Las Vegas car is done. I had to just come back and tend to some business, but it's possible I'll be back on Saturday night."

Saturday, February 19

In Happy Hour, Derrike was 20th fastest with a time of 46.987 and speed of 191.542.

Daytona 500