TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - Wood Brothers Racing Finishes Fifth in Final Bud Shootout Practice

The United States Air Force Ford Fusion's final practice time has proven to stand a strong fifth place after being involved in a five car melee during the last practice for the Bud Shootout. The Wood Brothers Racing no. 21 had an unexpected turn of events when driver Bill Elliott had nowhere to go as Ryan Newman shot up the track in front of him.

The team is currently preparing a backup car that was brought down from their Harrisburg, NC race shop. Team Co-Owner Eddie Wood states, "We came prepared with the car that we ran at Talladega, it's a good car and we're confident we can make the most out of this situation. Wood adds, "We have all of our best people and equipment ready to go to repair the primary car."

The wrecked primary Shootout car is being sent back to North Carolina for repairs and will return to be used as the Daytona 500 backup car. Crew chief, Gen e Nead says, "Our Daytona car is much faster than this car was. The practice time tonight gave us a positive indication as to where we will stand during qualifying for the Daytona 500." The team has some hard work to get the car together, but they are looking for a decent finish during the Bud Shootout and have a positive outlook for the Daytona 500.

In preparation for the Fontana, California race, Wood Brothers Racing will take their testing team and the Little Debbie Ford Fusion to Kentucky on Tuesday, February 12th for a full day of down force track testing and D.O.E (development of engineering). (WBR PR)