The Associated Press

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - The forecast for today's Sirius at The Glen called for an 80 percent chance of rain, and the chance that NASCAR would have its first-ever race using Goodyear's rain tires became a possibility.

"It could be historic," said Rick Heinrich, marketing manager for Goodyear. "That's why we bring 'em. We want to be ready."

Heinrich said Goodyear shipped 1,200 rain tires to Watkins Glen. He added that NASCAR indicated it would not like to begin the race on the tires, which cost $394 apiece.

"They want to have the option to use them under the right circumstance in order to get the race in," Heinrich said.

If the tires are used, pit strategy could become critical. Heinrich said that under extremely wet conditions cars could run the whole race on one set of tires.

Mike Skinner won an exhibition race in Japan in 1999 on rain tires. Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Robby Gordon are among a handful of drivers who have tested in the rain at The Glen.

NOTES: Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed in practice Saturday, but his crew was able to repair the damage and he will not have to race in a backup car today. ... Ken Schrader failed to qualify for the second week in a row after making the field for 579 consecutive races.

NASCAR today

Race: Sirius at The Glen, Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Time/TV: 1:30 p.m./Ch. 5, 22.

Track: Watkins Glen International (permanent road course, 2.45 miles, and 11 turns).

Race distance: 220.5 miles, 90 laps.

Fast fact: Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin have combined to win 11 of the past 20 races at the series' two road courses.

Points race

1. Matt Kenseth	3,152
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.	2,866
3. Jeff Gordon	2,834
4. Jimmie Johnson	2,656
5. Michael Waltrip	2,653