Advance Auto Parts 500

April 18, 2004
Martinsville, VA

Derrike and the Arnold Motorsports Team are headed for Martinsville to run in Sunday’s Advance Auto Parts 500. When we spoke with Derrike earlier today he said, "We are excited to run this weekend at Martinsville. We have a car that we expect will be competitive. I am delighted with our personnel and the excellent spirit of teamwork that we have. Going into Martinsville, we are riding a good wave."

In the first practice, Derrike was 40th fastest with a time of 20.734 and speed of 91.328.

In Qualifying, Derrike produced a lap of 20.739 with speed of 91.306. This was not fast enough for the top 38 so the team had to take a provisional where Derrike will be starting in 40th position.

In the second practice, Derrike was 36th fastest with a time of 20.892 and speed of 90.638.

In Happy Hour, Derrike was 39th fastest with a time of 20.995 and speed of 90.193.

Derrike started the race in 40th position and finished in 33rd.

Earlier today we spoke with Derrike regarding Martinsville "Martinsville was certainly not our best effort of the year. We missed it and just didn’t have what we needed. We just weren’t up to par. Sometimes you just have days like that. Based on our experience at Martinsville, we will do a short track test prior to the Richmond race. We were pleased to have Local Speed Internet as our sponsor at Martinsville. That was a one race deal for starters. Hopefully, folks will sign up with them for an ISP. They are a good group of folks with a good product."