BENDER LEADS GRAND NATIONAL QUALIFYING.

Byline: Associated Press 

Tim Bender, a former snowmobile champion, found a warm day to his liking Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway as he led second-round qualifying for the Goody's 300 NASCAR Busch Grand National stock car race.

The Colden, N.Y., native lapped the 2.5-mile track at 186.893 mph to earn the 26th starting spot for Saturday's 300-mile race. Bender, a rookie, would have been 12th in the field had he turned the speed in Tuesday's first round when the top 25 spots were determined.

"We're in the race, and that's what matters," Bender said. "A lot of good cars missed the race, so we're happy."

Sixty-six cars attempted to qualify, and 46 will start. Among those missing the cut were NASCAR Winston Cup regulars Ward Burton and brothers Mike and Kenny Wallace, all former winners in Grand National racing.

Also missing the field was series veteran Tommy Houston, who would have been making his 400th career start on the series.

Jeff Purvis won the pole with a speed of 189.733 on Tuesday.

Also Wednesday at Daytona, Andy Houston, the youngest son of Tommy Houston, led second-round qualifying for Friday's Daytona USA 200 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series race for sub-compacts.

Houston had to qualify again on Wednesday, even though he posted the second-fastest time in the first round of qualifying on Tuesday. In a post-qualifying inspection, NASCAR officials discovered that Houston's car was equipped with a ventilation system that did not meet NASCAR specifications. His speed from Tuesday was disallowed.

Houston will start 21st in a 42-car field on Friday.

Kinser, Kendall in front row: Sprint car star Steve Kinser and road racing specialist Tommy Kendall drew the front row starting positions for Friday's opening round of the 1996 International Race of Champions Series.

Kinser, a 14-time World of Outlaws series champion, is in his third IROC series after surprising the entire racing world with a victory at Talladega in 1994. Kendall, the defending SCCA Trans-Am champion, has yet to win an IROC race, but is taking part in the all-star series for the fourth time.

Those two have spent several practice sessions working together this week on Daytona International Speedway's 2-1/2-mile oval in the IROC Pontiac Firebirds being introduced to the series this year.

"Even though they're new cars, they're comfortable to drive," Kendall said. "We were banging doors. It means nothing to Steve, but it's something I'll cherish.