"He didn't qualify today and possibly he might not race," said Kevin Triplett, director of operations for NASCAR.

The objection from Marlboro was based on an interpretation of the agreement between big tobacco companies and state attorneys general that precludes the involvement of persons under 18 years old in events sponsored by the companies.

"The decision was based on an interpretation of the agreement between the weekend sponsor, the track and the state," Triplett said. "The situation was just too complicated to solve before qualifying today."

Marlboro is the overall sponsor of the weekend that includes the Auto Club 200 truck race Saturday and the Toyota 500 CART race and the Dayton Indy Lights event Sunday.

Busch, the younger brother of current Winston Cup rookie Kurt Busch, was replaced in the truck by Tim Woods, who has driven Winston West stock car events for Jack Roush's team.

Representatives of the sponsor, the team, NASCAR and California Speedway met for 3½ hours Friday without resolving the situation. However, Roush agreed to replace Busch in the truck at least for qualifying while the discussions continued.

Max Jones, general manager of Roush Racing, said, "Kyle met all of the NASCAR and Craftsman requirements to run this event and because of circumstances outside of NASCAR's control and Roush Racing's control, he's not going to be able to run."

Jones said the question of Busch's eligibility to run here did not arise until Friday morning and the youngster was the fastest driver in the opening practice.

"We didn't come here anticipating any problems," he explained.

Busch said, "It's just an unfortunate thing, but we're going for next year. We planned on running seven races this season, but it looks like we'll only be running in six.

"I'd say that this kills Kyle Busch's pride, his parents' pride, as well as the whole crew. They were all looking forward to it. We were on top of the sheets in practice and looking forward to qualifying and, right before we went out, we got turned down."

Woods, who took the 32nd spot in the 36-truck field, said, "I'm just looking forward to the challenge. This is the opportunity of a lifetime."

If Busch were to drive the truck in the race, he would have to start from the rear of the field.