Controversial call spoils good finish for Skinner.

An eventful Budweiser Shootout took a controversial turn for the Valvoline race team Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway.

Mike Skinner, driving the #10 Valvoline MaxLife Chevrolet, took the chequered flag in fifth place, but was later credited with a 15th place finish. NASCAR officials ruled that he advanced positions while driving below the yellow line, an act which is penalised by being sent to the back of the lead lap.

"I felt Rusty Wallace forced me below the yellow line and I didn't have any choice but to keep going or wreck everyone," Skinner said after a meeting with NASCAR. "Though I accept their decision, I truly feel that we had a fifth-place finish."

Skinner, who qualified for the Shootout after winning the pole in the U.S. Army/MB2 car last season at Richmond International Raceway, started the 70-lap race 13th. He was shuffled in and out of the draft before climbing his way to the front of the 19-car field.

"This is a no-holds-barred type of race," Skinner said. "I thought I was racing at Bristol. We ran a strong race, drafted well and had a good strategy. I am hopeful this will help the Valvoline team's effort in next week's Daytona 500."

Skinner added, "The team did a great job in the pits and Doug [crew chief Doug Randolph] made some great calls. I'll tell you what--this team showed that it has plenty of potential."

Dale Jarrett claimed the victory, beating Dale Earnhardt, Jr. by 0.157 seconds. Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top five.