It was an ordinary day at the office for Russ Dugger, who battled a windy, cooling race track, drew a very early 4th position for his first ever qualifying run at Daytona, laid down the fastest laps he could, then spent the next 90 minutes watching a scoring monitor as the entire field of over 50 competitors tried to crush his hopes and dreams.
After the last car finished their qualifying run and everything was said and done, Dugger's time of 50.514 seconds - while slightly disappointing - was enough to lock him in for tomorrow's ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 where he will make his first start in his first attempt.
Being a spectator, Dugger says, is twice as stressful as being the driver.
"It was pretty close, closer than we thought it would be. That's alright though, we're in, and that's all that matters," Dugger said. "Like Mario says, you gotta be in to win."
Most cars were nearly half a second slower than their best times from yesterday in the challenging conditions ahead of a strong storm system, predicted to bring 60 mph winds and pouring rain.
The conditions caught out Venezuelan open-wheel star Milka Duno, whose 36th place effort was not enough to get her into the field on time. She did however manage to obtain a provisional starting spot, and will take the 41st place on the grid.
Dugger will measure himself against one of the most impressive and exciting fields in ARCA history, including Danica Patrick, Ricky Carmichael, Alli Owens, Leilani Munter, and Nelson Piquet Jr.
"I would have liked to go out later," said Dugger, "From a comfort level standpoint, just to know what we were up against. I don't think it would have really changed the lap time. An emotional preference is all that is."
Emotional doesn't begin to describe the feeling amongst the supporters and close friends who are at the track with him this weekend. Russ Dugger is in the field, and now the whole world will get a chance to meet this magnetic and endearing driver.
The ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 from Daytona International Speedway airs on SPEED channel at 4:00pm Eastern.
