Driver Capsules for Daytona 500

Capsules of each driver in the starting lineup for today’s $3.1 million Daytona 500, with car number in parentheses, name, age, residence, make of car and biographical information:

1. (28) Dale Jarrett, 38, Hickory, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Replaces injured Ernie Irvan for Robert Yates team. . . . 1993 Daytona 500 winner is making sixth 500 start. . . . Took pole with a speed of 193.494 mph, his first career Winston Cup pole. . . . Has three wins in 228 starts, including 1994 Mello Yello 500 at Charlotte. . . . Son of two-time Winston Cup champion and Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett.

2. (3) Dale Earnhardt, 43, Doolie, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Tied Richard Petty’s record with his seventh Winston Cup champion in 1994. . . . Has 63 victories in 480 career Winston Cup starts, including four in 1994. . . . Has won 25 events at Daytona Speedway, including 1995 Busch Clash, but has never won the Daytona 500. . . . Best finish in 16 Daytona 500 starts is second in 1984 and 1993, but has 11 top-10 and eight top-five finishes. . . . Starting on outside of front row for second consecutive year. . . . 1979 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. . . . Has won a motor sports record $22,914,304.

3. (4) Sterling Marlin, 37, Spring Hill, Tenn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Won 1994 Daytona 500 for only Winston Cup victory in 309 starts, but has 40 top-five finishes. . . . Won 1995 Gatorade-125 Qualifier race. . . . Won Winston Open in 1988, 1989 and 1993. . . . 1983 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. . . . Son of former Winston Cup driver Clifton “CooCoo” Marlin.

4. (24) Jeff Gordon, 23, Huntersville, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Gained first two Winston Cup wins in 1994 by winning the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis and the Coca-Cola 600. . . . 1993 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. . . . Finished in top-five in both Daytona 500 starts and won 1994 Busch Clash. . . . Won three Busch Grand National races in 1992 and a series-record 11 poles. . . . In just 65 starts, has won $2,570,976.

5. (17) Darrell Waltrip, 48, Franklin, Tenn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Three-time Winston Cup Champion, last coming in 1985. . . . Making 23rd Daytona 500 start with only win coming in 1989--his 17th attempt. . . . 84 wins in 627 starts, but none since Pocono in 1992. . . . Finished ninth in 1994 points, the 18th year he has finished in the top-10. . . . Has earned $13,607,559.

6. (6) Mark Martin, 36, Jamestown, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Finished second in 1994 Winston Cup points for second time (1990). . . . Has 14 wins in 263 starts, including 1994 wins at Atlanta and Watkins Glen. . . . Tied a record with four consecutive wins in 1993. . . . 1994 IROC Champion. . . . Making 10th Daytona 500 start, best finish was sixth in 1993.

7. (2) Rusty Wallace, 38, Concord, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. 1989 Winston Cup Champion. . . . Has 39 wins in 331 starts, including a series best eight wins in 1994. . . . Best Daytona 500 finish is seventh. . . . 1984 Rookie of the Year. . . . Has won $11,156,883, fourth all-time.

8. (75) Todd Bodine, 30, Charlotte, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Younger brother of Brett and Geoff Bodine. . . . Best finish in 41 Winston Cup starts is third in 1994 Hooters 500. . . . Finished 36th in first Daytona 500 last year. . . . Scored seven wins in three seasons on Busch Grand National circuit. . . . Second full year driving for Mock Motorsports.

9. (25) Ken Schrader, 39, Concord, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Four wins in 297 Winston Cup starts, with last coming in 1991 at Dover. . . . 1989 and 1990 Busch Clash winner. . . . Won Daytona 500 pole in 1988, 1989 and 1990, abnd finished second in 1989. . . . Making 11th Daytona 500 start. . . . 1985 Winston Cup Rookie of the year.

10. (94) Bill Elliott, 39, Dawsonville, Ga., Ford Thunderbird. 1988 Winston Cup Champion. . . . In 438 starts, has 40 wins, including 1985 and 1987 Daytona 500s. . . . Set Daytona International Speedway qualifying record with 210.364 mph in 1987 and all-time stock car qualifying record of 212.809 at Talladega in 1987. . . . In 1985, won a record 11 superspeedway races and became only driver to capture the Winston Million. . . . Moves from Junior Johnson team to Hardy Boys team as co-owner and driver, and rejoins brothers Ernie and Dan Elliott. . . . Has earned $14,558,563, second only to Earnhardt.

11. (5) Terry Labonte, 38, Thomasville, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 1984 Winston Cup Champion. . . . Thirteen wins in 480 starts, including career-best three in 1994--his first wins since 1989. . . . Second year with car owner Rick Hendrick. . . . Best Daytona 500 finish in 16 starts is second in 1986 and 1989. . . . Has won $8,921,096, fifth best all-time.

12. (16) Ted Musgrave, 39, Troutman, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Second year with Jack Roush team. . . . 122 Winston Cup starts with four fifth-place finishes. . . . Making fourth Daytona 500 start, finished eighth in 1992. . . . 1987 ASA Rookie of the Year.

13. (42) Kyle Petty, 34, High Point, N.C., Pontiac Grand Prix. Seven Wins in 411 starts. . . . Making 14th Daytona 500 start, finished sixth in 1992. . . . Grandson of 1959 Daytona 500 winner Lee Petty and son of 7-time 500 winner Richard Petty. Only third-generation driver to win a Winston Cup race. . . . First Petty to pass $1 million in season earnings, 1992.

14. (41) Ricky Craven, 28, Newburgh, Maine, Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 1992 Busch Grand National Series rookie of the year. . . . Second in 1993 and 1994 Busch Grand National Series’ points standings. . . . Finished 34th in only previous Winston Cup start--1991 at Rockingham. . . . Replaces Joe Nemechek for Larry Hedrick team.

15. (30) Michael Waltrip, 31, Huntersville, N.C., Pontiac Grand Prix. Younger brother of Darrell Waltrip. . . . 268 Winston Cup starts with best finish of second at Pocono in 1988. . . . Ninth Daytona 500 start, best finish was eighth in 1990. . . . Won 1991 and 1992 Winston Open. . . . Seven Busch Grand National wins.

16. (9) Lake Speed, 47, Concord, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Takes over open seat for Melling Racing team. . . . 12th Daytona 500 start, best finish is 2nd in 1985. . . . Won 1988 TransSouth 500 at Darlington One for only win in 299 starts.

17. (15) Dick Trickle, 53, Iron Station, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. 1989 Rookie of the Year. . . . Short track legend with more than 1,000 feature wins throughout the country. . . . Making ninth Daytona 500 start with a best finish of fifth in 1992. . . . Has started 167 Winston Cup races over 25 years and has three third-place finishes.

18. (10) Ricky Rudd, 38, Lake Norman, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Posted first win as owner-driver in 1994 Slick 50 300. . . . 15 wins in 500 starts, including at least one win in each of last 12 seasons. . . . Best finish in 17 Daytona 500 starts is third in 1981. . . . 1977 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.

19. (71) Dave Marcis, 53, Avery’s Creek, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Start moves him past Richard Petty for most career starts in Daytona 500 with 27. . . . Has two sixth-place finishes. . . . Five victories in 761 career starts, but none since 1982.

20. (18) Bobby Labonte, 30, Trinity, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Moves from Bill Davis team to take over for Dale Jarrett. . . . Best finish in 63 Winston Cup starts is fifth in 1994 Goodwrench 400. . . . Third Daytona 500 start with a best finish of 16th in 1994. . . . 1991 Busch Grand National Champion. . . . Younger brother of Terry Labonte.

21. (31) Ward Burton, 33, South Boston, Va., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Started 26 races in rookie season and was second at Pocono. . . . Had two other top-10 finishes in 1994. . . . Starting first Daytona 500. . . . Four Busch Grand National wins in 111 starts.

22. (12) Derrike Cope, 35, Huntersville, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Surprise winner of 1990 Daytona 500. . . . Won Bud 500 at Dover in 1990 for only other win in 217 starts. . . . Beginning first full season as driver for Bobby Allsion.

23. (87) Joe Nemechek, 31, Lakeland, Fla., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 1992 Busch Grand National Champion making first Daytona 500 start. . . . Started 34 races with a third at Pocono and a seventh at Richmond his best finishes. . . . 1990 Busch Grand National Rookie of the Year.

24. (22) Randy LaJoie, 33, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac Grand Prix. Finished in top 20 in all three 1994 Winston Cup starts. . . . 1985 Busch North Series champion. . . . Five year Busch Grand National series veteran. . . . Takes over for Bobby Labonte on Bill Davis team.

25. (43) Bobby Hamilton, 37, Nashville, Tenn., Pontiac Grand Prix. First race driving for Richard Petty, where he replaces John Andretti. . . . 1991 Winston Cup rookie of the year. . . . Has started 106 races over six seasons with a best finish of sixth in the 1991 AC-Delco 500 at Rockingham. . . . Making fifth Daytona 500 start with a best finish of eighth in 1992.

26. (66) Ben Hess, 30, Mooresville, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Won ARCA races at Daytona in 1989 and 1991. . . . In 11 Winston Cup starts, best finish is 15th at North Wilkesboro in 1989.

27. (80) Joe Ruttman, 50, Franklin, Tenn., Ford Thunderbird. Younger brother of 1952 Indianapolis 500 winner Troy Ruttman. . . . Started 215 Winston Cup events with three second-place finishes. . . . Has 10 Daytona 500 starts and third-place finishes in 1982 and 1991.

28. (8) Jeff Burton, 27, South Boston, Va., Ford Thunderbird. Scored two fourth-place finishes in 31 starts on his way to the 1994 Winston Cup rookie of the year award. . . . Four Busch Grand National wins. . . . Finished 26th in only Daytona 500 start. . . . Brother of Ward Burton.

29. (98) Jeremy Mayfield, 25, Nashville, Tenn., Ford Thunderbird. Starting first full season as driver for Cale Yarborough. . . . Making his second Daytona 500 start, finished 30th last year. . . . Best finish in 21 starts was a 19th in the 1994 AC Delco-500. . . . 1993 ARCA Rookie of the year.

30. (21) Morgan Shepard, 53, Conover, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Four wins in 383 starts. . . . Making 12th Daytona 500 start, finished second to Davey Allison in 1992. . . . Topped $1 million in season earnings for first time in 1994.

31. (33) Robert Pressley, 35, Asheville, N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Posted 10 wins over 141 starts in a six-year Busch Grand National career. . . . Three Winston Cup starts in 1994. . . . Finished 40th in only Daytona 500 start last year. . . . Replaces the retired Harry Gant in the Leo Jackson-owned Skoal Bandit.

32. (19) Phil Parsons, 37, Denver, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Making 11th Daytona 500 start, finished third in 1988. . . . Younger brother of 1975 Daytona 500 champion Benny Parson. . . . 200 career Winston Cup starts with only win coming in 1988 Winston 500 at Talladega. . . . Last Daytona start was 1993. . . . Won 1994 Busch race at Charlotte.

33. (77) Davy Jones, 31, Cortland, N.Y., Ford Thunderbird. Former Indy-car and IMSA driver competing on Winston Cup circuit for first time. . . . Replaces Greg Sacks for owner D.K. Ulrich. . . . Won 1986 IMSA at Watkins Glen and 1990 24 hours of Daytona race. . . . Finished seventh in 1989 Indy 500.

34. (44) Jeff Purvis, 35, Clarksville, Tenn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Finished 36th in 1991, his only other Daytona 500. . . . Only ARCA driver to win three superspeedway races in consecutive seasons, 1993 and 1994. . . . Won 1993 ARCA race at Daytona.

35. (29) Steve Grissom, 31, Gadsden, Ala., Chevrelot Monte Carlo. 1993 Busch Grand National Champion. . . . Finished second in 1994 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year voting. . . . Has started 29 Winston Cup races, but making first Daytona 500 start. . . . Best finish is a seventh in 1994 Richmond race.

36. (90) Mike Wallace, 35, St. Louis. Ford Thunderbird. Replaced Bobby Hillin last season and continues with Junie Donleavy team this season. . . . Making 1st Daytona 500 start. . . . Fifth-place finish in 1994 Hooters 500 is best in 31 career Winston Cup starts. . . . Won 1994 ARCA race at Daytona.

37. (27) Loy Allen, 28, raleigh, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. In 1994, became first ever rookie polesitter for the Daytona 500. . . . Joins Junior Johnson as teammate to Brett Bodine. . . . Making third Daytona 500 start. . . . Best finish in 24 Winston Cup starts is 11th in 1994 Coca-Cola 600.

38. (37) John Andretti, 31, Indianapolis, Ford Thunderbird. Leaves Richard Petty to drive for new Kranefuss-Hass team. . . . Nephew of former Daytona 500 and Indy-car champion Mario Andretti. . . . Won 1991 Australian Grand Prix for lone Indy-car victory and also won Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1989. . . . 33 Winston Cup starts with best finish of 11th in 1994 Miller 400 at Richmond. . . . Finished 42nd in only Daytona 500 start (1994).

39. (11) Brett Bodine, 36, Harrisburg, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. Recorded only Winston Cup victory in 1990 First Union 400 at North Wilkesboro, N.C., but has 15 other top-five finishes in 220 starts. . . . Seventh Daytona 500, with best finish of 17th in 1990 and 1993. . . . Younger brother of Geoff Bodine.

40. (7) Geoff Bodine, 45, Julian, N.C., Ford Thunderbird. 1986 Daytona 500 winner. . . . 1982 Winston Cup rookie of the year. . . . Seventeen wins in 381 Winston Cup starts, including three in 1994. . . . Won five poles in 1994 to secure Busch Pole Award. . . . Won 1994 Winston Select.

41. (1) Rick Mast, 37, Rockbridge Baths, Va., Ford Thunderbird. . . . In 154 career starts, best finish is second at Rockingham in 1994. . . . Starting sixth Daytona 500, where he was fourth in 1991. . . . Won the pole in the first Brickyard 400.

42. (26) Steve Kinser, 39, Bloomington, Ind., Ford Thunderbird. Won 14 of 16 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Championships. . . . Nearly 400 short-track feature wins in sprint cars. . . . Replaces Brett Bodine for Kenny Bernstein’s King Racing team. . . . First Winston Cup start. . . . Winner of 1994 IROC race at Talladega.