Kurt Busch grabbed the Bud Pole today at California Speedway for Sunday’s Auto Club 500 with a lap of 38.485 (187.086 mph)…..and it’s just the 4th top-spot of his career. His last start from the pole was at Homestead in November of 2004, and you know that’s a day the NEXTEL Cup Champion of 2004 will remember. He’ll be joined on the front-row by former teammate Greg Biffle. This is his best starting spot since he had the outside pole at Richmond last September.
J. J. Yeley (4th) had his career-best qualifying effort today. His previous best was 8th when we were here last September.
Scott Riggs (14th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 7th at Talladega last October.
Stanton Barrett (30th) has his best starting spot since he qualified 23rd at Bristol last April (only 8 races).
Mike Garvey (35th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 32nd at Pocono last August (only 3 races).
STREAKIN….Mark Martin has 5 Top-10 starts in the last 6 races.
Greg Biffle has 4 Top-10 starts in the last 5 races.
Jeff Gordon has 4 Top-10 starts in the last 5 races.
In 11 races at Fontana, it’s Ford over Chevy 6-5…..Dodge has been shut out. The only driver with more than one victory here is Jeff Gordon….he’s been in Victory Lane three times. Oft times this race turns into a “fuelish” event….look for Larry Mac to start counting backwards from Lap 250 pretty early on Sunday.(Stockcarfans.com)(2-24-2006)
