by Colleen Lynch

Brendan Gaughan was 9th fastest during first practice today. He ran a total of 12 laps with a fastest time of 30.231 and a speed of 178.625 miles per hour. His average speed was 176.510 with an average time of 30.593.

Brendan's teammate Ryan Newman was 8th in practice with a time of 30.196, and Rusty Wallace was 14th with a time of 30.358. Ricky Rudd was fastest in practice with a time of 29.984.

Brendan rolls out 24th for qualifying at 4pm Eastern in his Wizard of Oz/Kodak Dodge.