Kurt Busch kept his qualifying success rolling today at California Speedway as he took the Bud Pole for the SONY HD 500 with a time of 39.016 sec (184.540 mph). This is the third top-spot for Busch in the last four races, his 5th of the season (he leads in that category now) and the 8th of his Nextel Cup career. Brian Vickers will join Busch on the front-row for the Sunday twilight affair.
Scott Riggs (4th) has his best starting spot since he had the pole at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May.
Martin Truex Jr. (5th) has his career-best starting spot this week. His previous best has been 8th (three times)….the most recent at New Hampshire in July.
Dale Earnhardt Jr (6th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 6th at Michigan in June.
Scott Wimmer (17th) has his best starting spot since he qualified 14th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last October.
David Gilliland (20th) has his career (albeit short) best starting spot this weekend. His previous best was 26th at Michigan two weeks ago.
Bill Elliott (23rd) has his best starting spot since he timed in 9th at Texas last October (only six races).
STREAKIN….Jeff Burton has 7 Top-10 starts in the last 8 races.
…Kurt Busch has 6 Top-10 starts in the last 7 races.
…Denny Hamlin has 5 Top-10 starts in the last 6 races.
Once again this weekend the race within the race will involve where the 5, 24, 11, 31, 20, 8, 6, and 9 car are. Expect lots of point updates (since we’re just about down to the nitty-gritty) with Kasey Kahne the only logical contender to make the “Chase” (he’s 90 points in arrears).(Stockcarfans.com)(9-1-2006)
