The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2008

DAYTONA BEACH - Zephyrhills' David Reutimann was doing a television interview after his qualifying lap Sunday when boss Michael Waltrip walked up, grabbed him by the shoulder and said something in his ear.

"Good job," he said.

Reutimann did what he needed to do, turning a lap at 186.463 mph that was fourth fastest among the 53 drivers who attempted Daytona 500 qualifying.

If Daytona 500 qualifying was the same as it is for every other race, Reutimann would have the highest starting position of his career. But after the front row, most of the starting positions for Sunday's race will be assigned according to the finishing order of Thursday's 150-mile qualifying races.

Still, because starting positions 40-42 are awarded on speed, Reutimann is assured of being in his second 500.

"It means a lot to know that no matter what happens, I will be in the Daytona 500," Reutimann said. "That allows me to feel like the rest of the guys feel those in the top 35 with guaranteed starting berths. This way, we can concentrate on the race and not take chances that you normally wouldn't."