Gilliland feeling better from flu-like symptoms

FONTANA, Calif. -- A little rest was apparently all David Gilliland needed.

One day after missing the Busch Series race at California Speedway because of the flu, the Riverside, Calif., native said Sunday morning he's almost back to normal.

"I'm much, much better. I feel 98 percent," Gilliland said. "We're excited and looking forward to the race [Sunday]."

Gilliland felt ill enough Saturday morning to visit the infield care center for hydration. He was able to practice his Nextel Cup car later in the day, however, he opted to let Kenny Wallace drive as his replacement in the Busch Series Stater Bros. 300.

"[Saturday], I still wasn't feeling real well," Gilliland said. "Todd Parrott, Robert Yates and myself sat down and talked about it and together came up with the decision that it'd be better to try and rest."

Gilliland was forced to fall back on owner points to make Sunday's field. The Daytona 500 pole-sitter will roll off 40th.