Owens Ready for Qualifying After Hopeful Practice Session

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 5, 2009) – Following today's practice for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, Alli Owens has every reason to be excited about tomorrow's qualifying session. 

The No. 19 ElectrifyingCareers.com Toyota ran 32 laps throughout the five hour practice.  Owens' best time around the 2.5-mile oval was 49.789 seconds.  Owens scored the third-fastest lap among non-draft aided cars.  The No. 19 will focus on the car's drafting setup in tomorrow's final practice session.

"Today was very encouraging," stated Owens.  "We've been working really hard on the qualifying package throughout the off-season and today reflected that.  Our time was the third-fastest among the cars in qualifying trim.  That gives me a lot of confidence that we can score a top-10 starting spot, maybe even a top-five. We'll work on our drafting package once we're done qualifying.  I learned so much from Eddie (D'Hondt) last time I was here, and I can't wait to have him coaching me again.  So far we're off to a great start to the week.  I can't wait to get going tomorrow."

Qualifying begins tomorrow at 12:00 EST. The Slick Mist 200 begins at 4:00 on Saturday afternoon.  Race coverage can be seen on SPEED TV.