Rain Cancels Qualifying, Newman to Start 17th in Atlanta
October 24, 2008
HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 24, 2008) - Ryan Newman, driver of the Penske Racing No.12 Kodak Dodge Charger, didn't get an opportunity to capture the all-time pole record at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday as qualifying was rained out for the 10th time this season.
Newman, who has seven poles and is tied with mentor Buddy Baker for the most poles at Atlanta, will instead start 17th in the Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday after inclement weather cancelled most of the day's activities.
Per the NASCAR Rule Book, the field was set by the 2008 owner points. The No. 12 Kodak Dodge team is currently 17th in NASCAR Cup Series owner point standings.
"We got one lap in about seven minutes of practice today, and we were on top of the board," said Newman. "I'm pretty bummed that we didn't get the chance to qualify because I'm confident we would have had a shot at the pole. The car felt good in that one lap, so I am looking forward to how it is in practice tomorrow."
Newman has one top-five and four top-10 finishes in 13 starts at Atlanta. He finished 14th at the 1.54 mile oval track in the March race.
Coverage of the Pep Boys Auto 500 begins on the ABC television network on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. EDT. The race can also be heard on the PRN beginning at 2 p.m. EDT.
DRIVER: Ryan Newman
STARTING POSITION: 17th
POLE: Jimmie Johnson
PENSKE RACING TEAMMATES
19. Kurt Busch
36. Sam Hornish Jr.