DAYTONA BEACH FL. -- During opening day technical inspection Thursday at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR seized the NO. 1 car driven by Martin Truex Junior and belonging to Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.

NASCAR said that during the tech inspection the car did not fit the roof templates. The team was allowed to try again and when they failed again the car was seized and will be taken to NASCAR’s R&D center for further evaluation.

The team was told to bring their back up car out for inspection.

“I guess NASCAR saw something they didn’t like,” said Truex.

Truex wouldn’t say exactly what the problem waas.

“Somebody made a big mistake,” he said. “It shouldn’t happen at this level of racing.”

Stewart, Gibbs Unveil Nationwide Car with Special Meaning

Prior to the practice sessions, Tony Stewart and JD Gibbs unveiled a special paint scheme that they will run for a Nationwide series race in August at Michigan. The scheme was designed by 14-year-old Emily Marsala of Cincinnati Ohio. The paint scheme is in honor of the Give The Kids The World camp in Kissimmee Florida.

JD Gibbs had his five year old son Taylor at the unveiling. Taylor battled leukemia at the age of two and is currently in remission and the Gibbs family had visited the camp in 2007. Gibbs and Stewart also combined to make a $100,000 donation to the camp.

The big laugh of the conference came after the car unveiling came courtesy of Mike Arning, Stewarts publicist who told the assembled journalists prior to the breakout interview session with Stewart that they shouldn’t ask Stewart about his contract status. “You can ask if you want,” said Arning.” But you’ll get the same answer you got last week at Loudon; nothing’s changed.”

Bowyer Signs three Year Deal With Childress

Richard Childress Racing driver Clint Bowyer confirmed that he has signed a three year deal with RCR.

He also pointed out that he entertained offers from other teams and was flattered by the attention.

“As they say, you have to make hay while the sun shines,” Bowyer said. “It was unfamiliar territory for me.”

Bowyer however said he never really considered moving to another team.

“I’ve got a good thing going right here,” Bowyer said. “Richard treats me like a son. And you never forget the person that gave you the chance when no one else would.”

Kurt Busch Wrecks, but leads, in first Practice

Kurt Busch blew a right front tire coming out of turn 2 during practice. His Dodge rocketed up into the wall and had heavy damage on the right side. He was able to limp back to the pits.

Busch will go to a backup car for the 400, and since his accident happened prior to qualifying he won’t be penalized. In a cruel twist of fate just prior to his accident he put down the fastest lap of the first session, 189.633. Kasey Kahne was second, Tony Stewart third, David Regan fourth and Jeff Burton rounded out the top five.

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