#5-Kyle Busch won the pole for the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway, with a track record lap of 188.245mph, one of four drivers who were faster then the old track record, set by Ryan Newman in April 2002 of 187.432mph. #25-Brian Vickers, who is 21 years old, is on the outside poll, followed by #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #01-Joe Nemechek and #16-Greg Biffle. ALSO #5-Kyle Busch is the youngest pole sitter in Nextel Cup history at 19 years, 9 months, 24 days old. The all-time record was held by Donald Thomas – 20 years, 4 months, 6 days old at Lakewood Speedway in GA on 11-16-1952 [Thomas went on to win that race and remains the youngest race winner in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series history.] The modern-era [1972-present] record was held by Brian Vickers, 20 years, 6 months, 20 days at Richmond on 5-14-2004.(that stats from the NASCAR Statistical Services Updates Book)
Some troubles: #07-Blaney backed into the wall in turn two and will have to go to a backup and had no speed, but since the team is in the top-35 in owners points, Blaney will make the race, but will fall to the rear of the field before the start of the race. #20-Stewart, who qualified 29th, will have to start at the rear of the field as the team had to change transmissions, and this year there is a one transmission rule, just like the eone-engine rule. #38-Elliott Sadler had a spark plug break and was running on 7 cylinders on his qualifying attempt. #27-Shelmerdine lost an engine on his lap and recorded no speed. #73-Eric McClure, going for the last spot in the field. spunout on his first lap and missed the race, which let #37-Kevin Lepage get the last spot.
#38-Sadler and #07-Blaney got in based on their owners points position [Top 35 in 2004 Owners Points, not speed as #92-Barrett, #66-Sadler and #79-Boyd were all faster the The #38 and #07.
For starting lineup/qualifying results, see:
Jayski’s California Qualifying/Lineup Page
NASCAR.com.(2-26-2005)
