We can call him “Front Row Joe” again…. Joe Nemechek had to wait out a lengthy rain delay today at Michigan International Speedway, but when it cleared and the last five cars made their run, it was the U. S. Army Chevy driver atop the board for the first time since he had the top-spot at Kansas last October. Joe’s first pole of the season makes him the 14th qualifier for next February’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, and is the 9th Bud Pole of his Cup career. Jeff Gordon will join Nemechek on the front row for the GFS Marketplace 400. This is his best starting spot since he had the pole at Infineon in June.
Kyle Busch (4th) has his best starting spot since he had the pole at California in February.
Mike Bliss (6th) has his career-best starting spot for Sunday. His previous best was 7th at Chicagoland in July of 2004.
Tony Raines (15th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 4th at Rockingham (Where’s ‘dat??) in November of 2003.
Stuart Kirby (21st) has his career-best starting spot this week. His previous best was 22nd at Lowe’s in October of 2001.
John Andretti (23rd) has his best starting spot since he started 23rd at Homestead last November (only 4 races).
Welcome Back: Johnny Benson makes his first start since Talladega in April of 2004.
STREAKIN….Ryan Newman has 6 Top-10 starts in a row.
Brian Vickers has 5 Top-10 starts in the last 6 races.
(Stock Car Fans)(8-20-2005)
