Grant, Zack & Tom eased their way over the icy back road where the race shop is located to the safe and dry interstate 85 late Monday afernoon for the long drive to Daytona International Speedway. They arrived at the big track just after midnight, allowing a few hours sleep before today’s technical and safety inspections. ARCA officials will check virtually every piece of the more 60 cars which will attempt to earn a place in Saturday’s 200 mile race. Before the race cars will be allowed to practice at speeds of 185 miles per hour, inspections for both safety and technical requirements will take place in the speedway garage area.

On track practice will take place Thursday, with 2 lap qualifying runs set for Friday morning. Top racers from the open wheel racing world, led by Danica Patrick and Nelson Piquet, Jr. are attempting to cross over to stock car racing. There are many drivers making their first ARCA start and will be racing much faster than they ever have before. All this means that Grant will have be more aware than ever of where other racers are, but when one is in the draft, with cars inches apart front, back and on the side, there is not much which can be done when another racer loses control of his or her machine.

You can keep up to date on all the week’s activities at the track by visiting www.arcaracing.com . That website will have live timing and scoring during all practices and qualifying. The race will be nationally telecast on Speed Channel at 3 pm CST Saturday.