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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- For at least one day, the Wood Brothers team again was the best in NASCAR. Bill Elliott piloted the team's Ford to a lap of 187.950 mph in practice Saturday, making him among the favorites to win the pole in qualifying today.

Yet, there was little celebrating with the Woods, who plan to run only 12 of the 36 points races this season because of limited sponsorship.

A year ago they were 11th in the final practice before qualifying but failed to make the 500 for the first time since 1962. A burned gear slowed Elliott's qualifying time and then he failed to make the 500 through his qualifying race.

Thus, the lack of excitement Saturday among Elliott and the team.

"I ain't going to say anything until we get done (today)," Elliott said. "We've got to go out, and we've got to not make any mistakes."

NEW RULE: NASCAR has implanted an engine rule in the Nationwide series that mirrors a recent rule change for the Camping World Truck series.

After March 25, teams will not be allowed to use three different engines in three consecutive races (excluding Daytona and Talladega races). After an engine is first used, teams must declare what future event it will be used in so NASCAR can seal it -- preventing the teams the cost of rebuilding the engine. The move is meant to save teams engine costs.

PIT STOPS: Aaron's will sponsor David Reutimann for the entire season. Aaron's previously announced it would sponsor Reutimann for half of this season. &ellipses; Subway will sponsor Carl Edwards in three Cup races this season.

Contact Dustin Long at 373-7062 or dustin.long@news-record.com