by Julie Giese

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- After the first two-day NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test session was rained out, nine teams returned to Watkins Glen International today for an abbreviated test this morning, from 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., in preparation for the SIRIUS at The Glen weekend, August 12-15th.

Road course aces led the way in times today, with Boris Said taking the top spot with a fast time of 1:12.37, 121.874 mph, in his No. 36 MB2 Motorsports entry. Ron Fellows closely followed him with a time of 1:12.40, 121.823 mph, in his No. 1 Dale Earnhardt Inc. entry, with the third and final road course ace Scott Pruett and his No. 39 Chip Ganassi Racing entry coming in third quick with a time of 1:12.50, 121.655 mph.

The quickest NEXTEL Cup Series regular was Dale Jarrett's No. 88 UPS Ford, with a time of 1:12.99, 120.838 mph, followed by Kasey Kahne, with a time of 1:13.20, 120.492 mph, in his No. 9 Dodge Dealers Dodge. Rookies Brian Vickers in the No. 25 ditech.com Chevy and Scott Wimmer in the No. 22 CAT Dodge clocked in at 1:13.65, 119.756 mph.

Times were unavailable for rookies Scott Riggs and Brendan Gaughan. Riggs cut a tire mid-morning going up the Esses, ending his day early after he made contact with the guardrail.

New York State's largest weekend spectator sporting event returns August 12-15 with the NEXTEL Cup Series taking center stage on Sunday in the much-anticipated SIRIUS at The Glen. Support races include the Mohegan Sun 150 presented by Pepsi NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series on Saturday and the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series' Sahlen's 200 on Friday night. NEXTEL Cup Series drivers take their shot at the pole during P&C Foods Qualifying Day on Friday, August 13th. Tickets start at only $50.

Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the remaining 2004 events at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, and now race tickets, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338. Watkins Glen International. It's Racing, Only Twisted.