DAYTONA BEACH FL (2-11-08)--Young Dominick Casola was satisfied with his qualifying effort for the ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

Even though they had to change an engine after a pre-qualifying practice session Casola was still able to run a 178.916 mph lap to qualify 18th out of 65 cars that were trying for the 43 starting positions.

Casola, a 13th place finisher in the final 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series point standings, was making his first start at the two and one-half mile high-banked Daytona International Speedway. He had run well in December testing and was excited about his chances in the Saturday evening race.

The former Wall Township, NJ Speedway truck racer got settled in early in the 80-lap event and was getting adjusted to his new A.Casola Farms Dodge mount that had been prepared by Win-Tron Racing (formerly Country Joe Racing) out of Lakeville, MN.

During his 2007 rookie season on the ARCA circuit Casola had run a Ford so the Dodge was a new experience for the talented young racer.

Casola was making a move up through the field from his 18th starting spot and felt that he had a very strong car. However with just 30 laps completed Casola was caught up in the “big one”, a huge wreck that involved 16 cars and eliminated 13 from competition.

The A.Casola Farms Dodge team made four pit stops trying to keep the car in the race despite heavy damage from the accident.

“The crew did a fantastic job of keeping us on the lead lap even though we had to make four stops trying to repair the damage,” said Casola. “Finally the clutch started to slip and there seemed to be a problem with the transmission as a result of the accident and we just decided to take it to the garage.

“It was disappointing because we felt that we had a very strong car. Our race plan was basically to stay with the leaders, stay out of trouble and then go for a strong finish in the final 20-laps. Unfortunately we did not get to do that. That is just part of restrictor plate racing. I do think we have a car and a team that can be a contender for some wins during the 2008 season.”

Casola was credited with finishing 34 laps and that earned him a 33rd place finish.

Last year when he finished 13th in the final season point standings he did not run the opening race at Daytona so he is actually ahead of his 2007 efforts.

Next race for the A.Casola Farms Dodge team is at Salem, Indiana Speedway on Sunday, April 13th.