Wood Brothers miss first 500 since 1962

The Wood Brothers will not compete in the Daytona 500 for the first time since 1962 after Bill Elliott failed to advance through his qualifying race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway.

"I don't think there are words that can describe it, but that's life,'' Elliott said. "There will be days like this."

Sunday's 50th Daytona 500 will be only the third time the Wood Brothers have not been a part of this race.

Co-owner Eddie Wood said he'll remain for the race but admits he'll likely have a hollow feeling.

"I don't know what that'll feel like [not to be in the 500]. I'm sure it's going to be bad,'' he said. "Our race team is better than it was last year, by far. We don't have the results. Our practice times and everything we did this week were better than what we've had in the past. It's hard being a single-car team like we are."