Dale Earnhardt Inc. places four cars in top 15 in final practice session

Mark Martin

AVONDALE, Ariz. (April 11, 2008) – Mark Martin led the way Friday in the final practice session at Phoenix International Raceway, as preparation concluded for Saturday night’s Subway Fresh Fit 500. Both Martin’s quick time (129.296 mph) and his average time (127.302 mph) were fastest among the field of 43.

“We have a car that can win the race,” said Martin in reference to his No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet. “I’m very pleased with how we’ve run this weekend and we are pretty excited to see what we can do tomorrow night. Hopefully we’ll be able to stay up front and go out and compete for the win.”

Martin led a strong Dale Earnhardt Inc. effort that saw all four of DEI cars post laps inside the top 15 during Friday afternoon’s final practice. Martin Truex Jr. was the third fastest car in the session, while Paul Menard (13th) and rookie of the year candidate Regan Smith (15th) were both top 15.

Saturday will mark the first night race of the 2008 season. The NASCAR Sprint Cup event will be televised on FOX, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. EDT.