Sterling Marlin Finishes Second in Second Twin 125 Qualifying Race

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 12, 2004) --- After running third most of
the afternoon, Sterling Marlin and the Coors Light Dodge made a last lap
pass to finish second in the second Twin 125 qualifying race at Daytona
International Speedway.  

"Well I had two or three good runs on Kevin (Harvick) down the back
straightaway," Marlin said.  "I just kind of waited.  We had all of
those Chevrolets laying there, and if I went with two or three laps to
go I would have finished sixth or seventh.  It looked like Kevin layed
up trying to get a run on Elliott off of turn two and he pushed and had
to get out of the gas.  That gave us a real good run at him going down
the back straightaway.  I'm proud of the Coors Light team; they've done
a good job.  Our motor ran great today.  We've got to get it freed up
just a bit and we'll be there."

The Coors Light Dodge started sixth and within five laps was in the
third position.  Marlin continued to run third until he brought the
Coors Light Dodge onto pit road on lap 30.  Marlin reported that the car
was tight so the Coors Light crew put four fresh tires and filled it
with fuel and then sent it back on the racetrack to resume running in
the third spot.  

Marlin continued to bide his time until the final lap when went inside
on Harvick to take over the second-place position.  While he made his
move, Jimmie Johnson attempted to pass Marlin on the inside but the
Coors Light Dodge held its position and brought home a second-place
finish.
 
Marlin and the Coors Light Dodge will start fourth for Sunday's Daytona
500.  The last time Marlin started in this position for the GREAT
AMERICAN RACE in 1994, he won the first of his back to back wins at
Daytona.   

The Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway will be broadcast
live on NBC television and MRN radio on Sunday, February 15 at 1:30 p.m.
EST.