If we’re in Atlanta, it can only be Ryan Newman on the pole. Newman blistered a cold Atlanta Motor Speedway in 28.707 (193.124 mph) to take the Bud Pole by almost 2/10th’s of a second over Elliott Sadler for Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500. This is the 7th top-spot at AMS for Newman and the 38th overall in his Nextel Cup career (he’s now tied for 13th all-time with Herb Thomas & Tim Flock)….but first since Loudon last July. Ryan is the 4th different pole winner in 4 races this season. Bobby Labonte (6th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 3rd at Bristol last August. Mike Bliss (9th) makes his first race of the season. This is his best starting spot since he qualified 6th at Texas in November of 2005. David Reutimann (24th) has his career-best starting spot this weekend. His previous best was 26th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October of 2005. Johnny Sauter (26th) has his best starting spot since he timed in 14th at Lowe’s last May (only four races). STREAKIN….David Stremme has 3 Top-10 starts in the last 4 races.(Stock Car Fans)(3-16-2007)
