Brendan Gaughan will start the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway from the 17th position. Gaughan was pleased with his machine’s handling throughout the day and the Kodak Racing team is looking forward to practice on Saturday to tune the car for the race.

Gaughan piloted the No. 77 Penske-Jasper powered Dodge around the 1.5-mile track during the morning practice and the feedback was positive.

“This car is great!” exclaimed Gaughan over the two-way radio. “It feels really good no matter where I put it.”

With minimal changes in preparation for qualifying, the No. 77 Kodak Racing Dodge rolled through the NASCAR technical inspection line. Gaughan was the 17th driver to make his qualifying attempt out of 56 entries in the event.

The run that secured the 17th position for Gaughan was a 30.497-second lap. Gaughan’s Penske-Jasper powered teammates will roll off in the following order; Ryan Newman – 3rd, Rusty Wallace – 10th and Travis Kvapil – 26th.

from Jasper