Sunday in Daytona

Sunday was qualifying day for next Sundays Daytona 500 but the day started with a press conference.

Richard Childress, the late Dale Earnhardt's former team owner and Dale's wife Theresa announced a special car, which will be on display at the Daytona 500 museum outside the speedway.

The car is to mark the 10th anniversary of the drivers only win in the Daytona 500. Souvenir collectors will be happy to know that die-cast cars of the special edition will be available soon.

Just a few weeks ago, former Indy Racing League driver Sam Hornish Jr. thought he might have to make a decision between qualifying or the birth of his new daughter.

But last week, Sam's wife Crystal gave birth to their daughter Addison Faith Hornish. So the day went on as planned for Sam, who has won several Indy car races at Texas Motor Speedway.

While the birth went well, qualifying didn't. Sam came in 43rd and will compete for a higher spot in Thursday's twin qualifying races.

With NASCAR stars like Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya on pit road today, they didn't get near the attention that Ashley Judd got.

She made her first appearance on the Daytona pit road since her husband, Dario Franchitti was attempting his first Daytona 500.

Franchitti came in 39th and will have to do well in Thursday's qualifying races if Ashley wants to show off some more at the 500.

Kasey Kahne was trying to look cool in his new Budweiser uniform, but lets just say he is no Dale Jr.

He seems to try and look cool and sometimes it works and other times he should just put back on the Dodge uniform from last year.

Jeff Burton walked on to pit road with his seven-year-old son Harrison for qualifying. Harrison was hoping around and truly looked like he was having a grand old time.

The two-time Texas Motor Speedway winner qualified 46th, but since he was in the top 35 last year, he is guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500.

But in the end, the day belonged to defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson who won the pole position and Michael Waltrip who will start second.

The track is closed Monday and Tuesday. Practice for the race will resume on Wednesday. 

-- Gregg Ellman