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HERZOG JACKSON MOTORSPORTS FINISHES SIXTH AT DAYTONA

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 17, 2003) – After a roller coaster week with more lows than highs, Todd Bodine and the Herzog Jackson Motorsports team rallied back to finish Saturday's Koolerz 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in sixth.

During the three practice sessions leading up to qualifying, Todd Bodine and his crew struggled to find the right set-up for the car. Following a qualifying run that put the No. 92 Chevy in the 34th starting position, the team determined there might be a problem with the engine. With new horsepower under the hood, the No. 92 improved enough to post the second-fastest lap in the fourth practice session. Despite the new engine, the team struggled in the final practice held Friday afternoon.

"After the fourth practice I felt that we had a car that could win. Unfortunately we haven't been able to maintain our strong times. The team thinks we are chasing an electrical gremlin. These guys are going to make some changes to the car and hopefully that will do the trick," explained Bodine following the final practice.

The No. 92 Chevrolet Monte Carlo lined up in the 42nd position due to the team's decision to change the engine after qualifying. Within 19 laps Bodine moved into the seventh position making him the "biggest mover" of the event. A caution flag at lap 31 and subsequent pit stop allowed Bodine to bring the car in for four tires and fuel. Quick work by the pit crew sent Bodine back to the track in fifth.

Bodine's strong car allowed him to draft with the leaders and the veteran driver maintained a top-10 position. When the second caution flag flew crew chief Tony Liberati made the call for right side tires only and fuel. Once pit stops had cycled through Bodine was in second for the restart at lap 58.

The No. 92 Herzog Jackson Motorsports Chevy remained in the top-10 for the last half of the event before moving into the sixth position by lap 110. Now in rush hour, cars scrambled to gain position on the track. On lap 118, the No. 92 tapped the back of the No. 30 driven by Busch Series rookie Jimmy Vasser. Despite a multi-car accident that followed, Bodine maintained his position to finish the event in sixth.

"I was running five miles an hour faster than him [Jimmy Vasser] and that doesn't happen," stated Bodine following the race. "It wasn't a hard touch but it doesn't take much on this track."

The NASCAR Busch Series makes its next appearance close to home for the running of the Rockingham 200 in Rockingham, North Carolina. The one-plus mile track has been a part of the Busch Series schedule since 1982. Saturday's Rockingham 200 will be broadcast on MRN Radio and FX Television beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.