SPECIAL EVENT (DAYTONA, FLA.) - KURT BUSCH HAS MILLER LITE CAR ON POLE FOR BUD SHOOTOUT

Miller Lite Dodge crew chief Pat Tryson got the word that his blue No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Team would start on the pole for Saturday night’s Bud Shootout almost immediately after driver Kurt Busch drew the top starting spot just after 7:00 p.m. tonight here at Daytona International Speedway.

The last time Tryson had talked to or had seen his driver was some eight hours earlier. At 11:30 a.m. this morning, Tryson could be found consoling his driver as Busch lay on the hospital gurney in the infield medical center, being administered intravenous fluids.

“He’s a skinny little dude, but he’s as tough as nails,” Tryson said of Busch late Thursday night. “I told him this morning that his health is the number one priority and after seeing him laying there earlier today, I can’t believe he’s done all they tell me he has since then.”

Busch had been bedridden with the flu at his Mooresville, N.C., home since Monday night. He mustered enough energy to make it down to Daytona Beach this morning, only to be ushered straight to the infield medical center and put under the resident physician’s care.

Although an hour late, Busch was suited up and completed the afternoon’s hectic “NASCAR Media Day” schedule before taking a break prior to the qualifying draw for Saturday night’s special event for last year’s pole winners.

The 2004 NASCAR champ was admittedly weak, but incredibly joyous with the outcome of the draw.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting race,” Busch said. “I’m glad to be a part of it because you get to run with a tight group of competitors. These guys are tough and you get to learn with this new car.

“Who knows? I mean I could be 23rd on the first lap just because of how violent the draft could be with the car,” Busch added. “We’ve had packs of eight, maybe 10, but now we’ve got 23 that are going to hold it to the floor so we’ll see what happens.”

“I think it’s great (to get extra track time with the new car here),” Busch said. “To come up with a unique way to start the season and to knock the rust off and to get out there before the rest of the field, there are only 23 of us that get the special treatment. You got to soak it up while you can.”

While Busch is certain to start from the inside of the front row here on Saturday night, his status for practice on Friday is yet to be determined.

“Just like I told Kurt this morning, he doesn’t have to be in the car for early practice if he doesn’t feel up to it,” Tryson said. “We’ll play it by ear and hopefully he gets a great night’s rest and is ready to go tomorrow (Friday). He’s had a tough day here today and has already shown what a champion competitor that he is.”

Friday practice sessions here at DIS are set from 4:15 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Saturday night’s special 70-lap “Shootout” around the 2.5-mile track has an 8:00 p.m. EST starting time with FOX-TV and MRN Radio providing live coverage.