A year ago, he didn’t have a regular ride in any of the top-three divisions of NASCAR. Six weeks ago, he’d never been in a Cup car. Now, he’s had three Top-10 finishes to his credit and today Denny Hamlin captured his first Bud Pole at Phoenix International Raceway for tomorrow’s Checker Auto Parts 500. To say he’s a quick learner would probably be the understatement of the year! Denny becomes the 17th different Pole Winner this season….last year we only had 12 different drivers to wear that Bud cap.
Jimmie Johnson (2nd) has his best starting spot since he had the outside pole at Watkins Glen in August….but qualifying was rained out that day and we lined up on points for that road course race. This is his best starting spot on time since he had the pole at Chicagoland in July.
Greg Biffle (4th) has his best starting spot since he had the outside pole at Richmond in September.
Brian Vickers (6th) has his best starting spot since he qualified 5th at the Brickyard in August.
Bobby Hamilton Jr (7th) has his best starting spot since he grabbed the outside pole at Atlanta in March.
Kevin Harvick (8th) has his best starting spot since he claimed the pole at Richmond in September.
Robby Gordon (12th) has his best starting spot since he qualified 12th at Chicagoland in July.
Jimmy Spencer (23rd) has his best qualifying effort since he lined up 17th at Lowe’s in May.
Chad Chaffin (35th) makes his first Cup start since Martinsville in October of 2004. He started 37th and finished 39th that day…..course we said all this at Atlanta a couple weeks ago and he relinquished his spot to Bobby Hamilton Jr that day.
Jerry Robertson (43rd) makes his first ever NEXTEL Cup start tomorrow.
STREAKIN….Tony Stewart has 6 Top-10 starts in the last 7 races.(Stock Car Fans)(11-12-2005)
