Rockingham: Series qualifying report

Ken Schrader Earns ARCA Pole at Rockingham - 15th Career Series Pole

ROCKINGHAM NC (4-18-09) - Veteran Ken Schrader earned his 15th career Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell Saturday afternoon at Rockingham Speedway in preparation for Sunday's (April 19) ARCA RE/MAX Carolina 200.

"Surprised ourselves really," said Schrader. "We got one good lap in; we'll see what it does tomorrow. It's just great to be back here at Rockingham. I've always loved this place; it's a great track. My crew chief Donnie (Richeson) has won Cup races here as a crew chief, and that just gives you that much more experience heading into race weekend." The Fenton, Missouri driver, in his own Ken Schrader Racing Chevrolet, circled the historic, high-banked oval in 24.698 seconds, for an average speed of 145.761 mph. Schrader, a 15-time ARCA winner, will make his 53rd career ARCA RE/MAX Series start in tomorrow's race.

Walnut Cove, North Carolina rookie Alex Yontz, in a Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet, was second fastest overall with an average speed of 145.502 mph.

Indiantown, Florida's Patrick Sheltra, coming off his first victory at Salem Speedway two weeks ago, qualified third at 145.033 mph. Tallahassee, Florida's Ricky Carmichael, the 15-time AMA Motocross champion, qualified fourth (144.433 mph) in a Kevin Harvick-owned Chevrolet.

ARCA RE/MAX Series point leader Justin Lofton qualified fifth (144.341 mph) in the Eddie Sharp Racing Lofton Cattle Toyota.

-credit: arca