Sterling Marlin led the afternoon session of testing on Monday in his No. 14 MB2 Motorsports Chevy. Credit: Autostock

Marlin leads afternoon testing at Daytona

Veteran emerges as fastest after Day 1 of second session

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Sterling Marlin is already emerging as a favorite to win the Bud Pole for the Daytona 500 next month.

Marlin was blindingly fast in Monday's second-week test sessions for next month's season opener. His fastest afternoon lap (187.110 mph) was the best of the day and more than a tenth faster than his best lap of the morning session.

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Both of Marlin's Chevrolets cracked the top five in the afternoon session.

MB2 Motorsports hired Marlin before it had even signed a sponsor. With the acquisition of Marlin, the team was able to piece together a funding package that eventually assured the team of a strong two-car package.

Marlin hasn't had much to smile about since 2002, but he seems rejuvenated in his new surroundings.

"I have worked with a lot of the guys before," Marlin said. "I think we can win the race. We have got fast cars that drive good. I still enjoy it a whole lot."

The best cars of the day didn't vary much from either session, as seven drivers managed to crack the top 10 in both tests. One of those drivers was Denny Hamlin, who will make his first restrictor-plate start at the Daytona 500 next month.

"Top 10 in both, so we're pretty steady," Hamlin said. "If we can pick up a tenth, that would help and jump us into the top five. Look forward to [Tuesday]."

Hamlin enters the year with large amount of confidence, but he is hoping he can get the car to go even faster and nail down a top-10 starting spot in the Daytona 500.

"Right now, we want some more speed and then worry about handling," Hamlin said.

Drafting practice will not start until Wednesday, but Hamlin says he is glad to be testing in this week's session, which has considerably more cars than last week's three-day session.

"I will get a better feel for how these cars draft on Wednesday and that is good," Hamlin said. "There are a lot of cars here to get a good pack together. I think there was [only] 12 cars drafting the first week. If we get a good pack going, I will get a good feel."

• Chevys again pace field at Daytona testing