Riverside: Qualifying notes

GIBBONS TAKES ATLANTIC DODGE DEALERS 300 POLE

ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia (Sept. 16, 2007) -- After Saturday's postponement due to inclement weather, the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 is a full go for Sunday afternoon at Riverside International Speedway.

Peter Gibbons (No. 1 Canadian Tire/Master Craft Chevrolet), who was the day's final qualifier, turned in a lap time of 14.883 seconds on the 1/3-mile high-banked oval modeled after the legendary Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. That time translates to an average lap speed of 80.548 mph.

It was the first Bud Pole of the season for the Stouffville, Ontario driver. Gibbons previous best starting position was fourth, two weeks ago at Cayuga Speedway Park.

"The car was good from the start yesterday and we made just a few changes as practice went along," said Gibbons.

Despite it being the first visit to the track for many of the drivers, the times all weekend have been very similar. In fact, during qualifying less than one-quarter of a second separated the top 13 drivers.

"Everyone's times are so close," added the polesitter. "It's going to be an interesting race as we all feel out this track out under race conditions."

Last week's pole winner at Barrie Speedway, Kerry Micks (No. 02 Beyond Digital Imaging/Keltic Motors Ford), will start on the outside pole. His best qualifying lap was clocked at 14.889 seconds (80.516 mph).

The third-fastest time was recorded by J.R. Fitzpatrick (No. 84 Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevrolet) at 14.914 seconds (80.381 mph). Mark Dilley (No. 9 Dodge/Leland Industries Dodge) and Ron Beauchamp Jr. (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1 Dodge) rounded out the top five.

The Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 is scheduled to take the green flag at 3:15 p.m. A.T.

-credit: nascar