Sadler, Mayfield lead way in Happy Hour at MIS

Mayfield looks to break 131-race losing skid

BROOKLYN, Mich. - Jeremy Mayfield has got this running well thing down pat. When will it be time for him to win?

DHL 400  Happy Hour Speeds  2nd Practice Speeds  Lineup  1st Practice Speeds

Sunday might be a good day, for Mayfield was fast in Saturday's practice at Michigan International Speedway as the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams prepared for the DHL 400.

Mayfield was quickest in the morning session, turning a fast lap of 186.998 mph. And in Happy Hour, Mayfield (186.340) was second only to Elliott Sadler.

Sadler's top lap in Happy Hour was 187.125 mph. Ward Burton was third at 186.268, with Sterling Marlin fourth and Kevin Harvick fifth.

ALSO  Ford Driver's Eye

Mayfield last won 131 races ago when he beat Dale Earnhardt at Pocono Raceway. Since then, he's finished second eight times, including last week's runner-up finish to Jeff Gordon at Pocono.

Since a streak of six consecutive races with finishes of 14th or worse, Mayfield has picked up the pace with eighths at Charlotte and Dover - both places he could have finished higher - and the second at Pocono.

ALSO  World of Dodge

He's moved within two points of the magic top-10 and a seat in the Chase for the Nextel Cup.

But still no victory. Is it time?

"It's time, but we're not putting pressure on ourselves," Mayfield said. "We know we've got fast cars. We're after points right now. We're looking at the big picture, and we know if the wins come, we know they can and we know we're capable of it that they'll happen.

"If not, we're going to press this year and not finish very good either and lose our points."

Mayfield spoke with a raspy voice, the result of a head cold and a sore throat. He said he felt fine but was taking antibiotics to get healthy.

"I've had a head cold the last couple days," Mayfield said. "I feel good, but I lost my voice today. I had a sore throat."

No illness would likely scuttle Mayfield's enthusiasm this weekend because of how good his No. 19 Dodge is running.

"It's running really good," Mayfield said. "I'm real happy with it. We've got a good starting spot. We tested here and had a great test. The car is just absolutely good."

The Hendrick Motorsports cars, which swept the top three positions in Friday's qualifying, led by Jeff Gordon's Bud Pole, had only one car crack the top 10 in Happy Hour.

Brian Vickers was 10th at 185.395 mph, with Johnson 22nd and Gordon 26th.

In Saturday morning's first practice, rookie Brendan Gaughan was second, with Vickers third, Jeff Burton fourth and Ward Burton fifth.