Newman Takes Challenge Pole
Written by John Davison · May 20, 2005
Ryan Newman won the pole for Saturday night’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup All-Star Challenge, thanks to the assistance of his pit crew. Qualifying for this event is unique, with a four-lap run punctuated with a pit stop. The total elapsed time, plus any penalties incurred, determines starting positions.
Michael Waltrip nearly spun on his effort, the car bottoming out badly and losing traction. Dale Jarrett, among other drivers, carried too much speed onto pit road and had their wrists slapped with a 20-second penalty for speeding.
When all was said and done, Ryan Newman, with the help of his pit crew, was on the pole for the NEXTEL All-Star Challengel. “My lap was pretty good,” said Newman after his run. “The guys did a great job in the pits. I had a hard time getting on pit road but I was trying to get everything I could out of it. I guess it was good enough,” he added. “The guys have done a great job the past two weeks and we carried it into tonight. We’ll see how it works out tomorrow night. I really just enjoy this racetrack. I don’t think Humpy did anything wrong to it and we’re really looking forward to tomorrow night’s race.”
Tony Stewart spun entering the pits, reporting later that “I think I ran out of talent,” quipped Stewart. “I was talking to Jeff Gordon and he’s got a new driving school. Maybe I can go to his driving school to learn how to get on pit lane here. I don’t know. I didn’t want to be the only Joe Gibbs Racing driver to not spin out today. We’re just trying to have fun with this Madagascar Chevrolet tonight.” The spin dropped Stewart to 17th, last among the teams with no penalty.
Asked about what his crew chief, Greg Zippadelli said, Stewart replied: “He just started laughing. I think we’ve all learned this year to have a lot of fun. When somebody has a mistake, instead of poking at them too hard. He knew I made a mistake. When I came down pit road I could see him laughing. What else can you do but laugh at yourself when you make mistakes?”
Starting Lineup, NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge:
Pos, Driver, Car, Time, Speed, Behind, Penalty
1, Ryan Newman, No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge, 122.443 sec, 44.102 mph, -, None
2, Mark Martin, No. 6 Viagra Ford, 123.192, 43.834, -0.749, None
3, Rusty Wallace, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, 123.227, 43.822, -0.784, None
4, Elliott Sadler, No. 38 M&M’s Ford, 123.414, 43.755, -0.971, None
5, Kasey Kahne, No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge, 124.197, 43.479, -1.754, None
6, Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, 124.625, 43.330, -2.182, None
7, Carl Edwards, No. 99 Scotts Ford, 124.887, 43.239, -2.444, None
8, Kurt Busch, No. 97 IRWIN Blue Blade/Sharpie Ford, 125.171, 43.141, -2.728, None
9, Joe Nemechek, No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet, 125.271, 43.106, -2.828, None
10, Matt Kenseth, No. 17 DeWalt Power Tools Ford, 125.896, 42.893, -3.453, None
11, Greg Biffle, No. 16 National Guard Ford, 126.725, 42.612, -4.282, 5 sec, one loose lugnut
12, Bobby Labonte, No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet, 127.116, 42.481, -4.673, None
13, Terry Labonte, No. 44 Pizza Hut Chevrolet, 128.399, 42.056, -5.956, None
14, Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, 128.673, 41.967, -6.230, 5 sec, one loose lugnut
15, Jeremy Mayfield, No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge, 129.691, 41.637, -7.248, 5 sec, one loose lugnut
16, Michael Waltrip, No. 15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, 134.626, 40.111, -12.183, None
17, Tony Stewart, No. 20 The Home Depot/Madagascar Chevrolet, 137.819, 39.182, -15.376, None
18, Kevin Harvick, No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, 144.221, 37.443, -21.778, Too fast entering pit lane – 20 seconds
19, Dale Jarrett, No. 88 UPS Ford, 145.571, 37.095, -23.128, Too fast entering pit lane – 20 seconds
20, Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, 146.022, 36.981, -23.579, Too fast entering pit lane – 20 seconds
+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie
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