Daytona Testing Part II: Maybe Dale Jarrett Won't Need Past Champion Provisional

Click for previous NASCAR Testing posts from Daytona.

It's been a long time in the NASCAR world since we've seen two Dales lead at the top of any list statistically.

The second round of preseason Sprint Cup testing at Daytona International Speedway changed that Monday morning as soon-to-be-retired Dale Jarrett topped all drivers on the speed chart. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new Hendrick ride was second fastest.

Jarrett's lap time of 184.987mph not only paced the Monday morning single-lap session, but also bested Jimmie Johnson's best single-lap time from the first round of testing a week ago at DIS.

Running fast in qualifying trim for Jarrett is going to be especially crucial for Daytona and the four remaining races he plans to race into this season. The No. 44 Michael Waltrip Racing entry failed to make 12 races.

Jarrett, despite being a past champion, will not always be able to fall back on the guaranteed spot in a race for a past champ because of an owner points swap at Penske racing that allowed Kurt Busch's points from a year ago to be transferred to Sam Hornish Jr.'s new ride.

Busch, the 2004 champ, would automatically be in the field of a race because his championship was more recent. Jarrett finished outside the Top-35 in points last season, leaving him as a go-fast-or-go-home car if Busch needs a provisional.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was nearly a tenth of a second off the pace of Jarrett at 184.646mph for second place on the morning chart. Rookie and 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti was third, Jarrett's other No. 44 was fourth, and Tony Stewart was fifth in his first outing under the Toyota banner.

Testing continues through Wednesday afternoon with over 50 different cars already have taken the track. Stay with NASCAR Fanhouse for continued updates!