Flash.(Briefs)

Daytona 500 pole set

Jeff Burton at 189.151 mph and Jeff Gordon at 188.877 mph led qualifying for the Daytona 500. They're assured of starting the 500 from the front row; the balance of the 43-car grid will come from qualifying speeds, last year's owner points and Thursday's two 150-mile heats. The top 35 in last year's points are assured of being somewhere on the grid. The highest-finishing "other'' five from the 150s and the fastest three not otherwise qualified will advance into the 500.

Several hours after the afternoon qualifying session, officials disallowed the times of Jimmie Johnson and Terry Labonte. They took issue with the rear-window template on Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet and with an unapproved carburetor on Labonte's No. 96 Chevrolet. The drivers were sent to the rear of the field for their 150-mile qualifying race.

Hmiel rides again

Shane Hmiel, a Busch Series driver bounced by the sanctioning body in 2005 following a second drug policy violation, has signed to drive for C&R Racing in USAC's revamped Silver Crown division.

Hmiel, 25, got the ride in part because his father, Steve, the former crew chief for Mark Martin, is a partner with Chris Paulsen in the USAC endeavor. Paulsen has built four of the new open-wheel speedway cars at his shop in Indianapolis, and Hmiel will drive the house car.

Hmiel's first USAC race will be March 25 at Homestead. He is eligible ...