Bill Lester became the first African-American driver to qualify for a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in 20 years, while Kasey Kahne took the pole for Sundays Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lesters #23 Waste Management Dodge was the fastest among the cars that needed to qualify on time with the 19th fastest lap of 190.502 mph. Lester joins Charlie Scott, Wendell Scott, George Wiltshire, Randy Bethea and Willy T. Ribbs as the only African-Americans to accomplish this feat with Ribbs being the last in 1986. “I’m so excited, I’m relieved, I’m enthused, I can’t wait for Sunday’s race,” said Lester, who is from Atlanta. “My wife knew my heart and soul was in racing and she supported me 110 percent.”(RacingOne)(3-18-2006)
