It was a bittersweet time, the highest of highs and lowest of lows. You feel so guilty even calling, trying to get that ride, but at the same time, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. I was starving for a job when Alex had his accident.

Last weekend we had a solid run going, but the bolt on the sway bar broke while we were running in the top 10. Hopefully this weekend we can start to put some good finishes together before the end of the season. It has been discouraging, but I believe in this team's abilities and we will get after it again this weekend.

We got some quick changes during the night that the other guys couldn't do. We spent the least time in the pits and that's what won us the race.

I couldn't be happier. The biggest thing is that it starts us out right in the points this year.

More than anything, the 24-hour race and everything leading up to the Daytona 500 on the Cup side was really positive. That gave us a lot of confidence going into the 500. The 24-hour race boosted the whole team's spirits. Anytime you're got guys thinking positive, it's a good thing.

This is my fourth year in Cup. I was settling in with a team that has typically run a little bit better than we have over the last few years.