#12-Ryan Newman took his first Bud Pole of the season today at Dover International Speedway for Sunday’s Neighborhood Excellence 400 presented by Bank of America (say that fast three times!), and for a driver who’s got 36 of ’em, it’s been awhile. His last pole (of the eight he won last year) was at Texas last November, and he’s the 9th qualifier for next February’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.
Jeremy Mayfield will start from the outside pole for the second week in a row.
Jeff Gordon (3rd) has his best starting spot since he started from the outside pole at Daytona in February.
Kurt Busch (4th) has his best starting spot since he had the pole at California in February.
Kevin Harvick (5th) has his best starting spot since he had the pole at Richmond last September.
Hermie Sadler (16th) has his best starting spot since he qualified 11th at Talladega in October of 2004.
Kevin Lepage (18th) has his best starting spot since he timed in 13th at Atlanta last October.
STREAKIN….Denny Hamlin has 6 Top-10 starts in the last 7 races.
Ricky Rudd qualified Tony Stewart’s car in 10th place today, but Tony will start the car on Sunday (from the back) and I’m sure we’ll see a driver switch at first opportunity. This place is not very kind to pain.(Stock Car Fans)(6-2-2006)
