Wood to qualify; Rudd to return for Sunday's race

FONTANA, Calif. -- Jon Wood practiced the No. 21 Ford again Saturday at California Speedway, as Ricky Rudd stayed with his family in Virginia as they mourn the death of his father, Al Rudd Sr., who passed away earlier this week.

Jon Wood

Wood is expected to qualify the car later Saturday afternoon, as well. Team officials expect Rudd to arrive in Fontana on Sunday in time to race the car in the Sony HD 500.

Wood was 40th of 43 drivers in Friday's lone practice, clocking in at 40.501 seconds, an average speed of 177.773 mph. Jeff Gordon led the session at 39.354/182.955.

Rudd spent Friday in Virginia attending the funeral of his father, who died Tuesday after a lengthy illness.

Many teams, including all five Roush Racing squads, are sporting decals on their cars in memory of Rudd Sr.

Ricky Rudd is riding a streak of 776 consecutive Cup starts, the longest such active streak.