Smith - Post qualifying interview

Regan Smith, Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: Alexander Trienitz

REGAN SMITH, NO. 78 FURNITURE ROW CHEVROLET, QUALIFIED 3RD:

ON HIS CAREER- BEST QUALIFYING EFFORT IN NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES COMPETITION: "It was a good lap. We weren't quite that good in practice. The guys made some good adjustments. We had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to do. Just a little bit too tight. I figured with Carl (Edwards) and Greg (Biffle) going there at the end, we were probably in trouble [for the pole], but it was still a good lap and we will definitely take it for the Furniture Row Chevy."

IS IT MORE IMPORTANT TO QUALIFY UP FRONT WHEN THE TIRES COULD BE SOMETHING OF AN UNKNOWN? "Just speaking about qualifying because I think I have qualified 30th here the past six times I have been here, its important to start up front no matter what tire we have on the car. It is going to be the same for everybody tomorrow with the tire change. I think starting up front is a big deal."

HOW IMPORTANT IS A GOOD FINISH FOR YOU TO HAVE A GOOD FINISH SUNDAY AFTER YOUR GREAT START AT DAYTONA AND THEN TWO DISAPPOINTING FINISHES? "Obviously we want to have a good finish. That is definitely the first priority. We've been quick everywhere we've gone this year, we just haven't had very good luck. We had a motor issue last week and then the Phoenix wreck with all the cars on the back straightaway there. I think the one good part for us when you look at team morale and stuff is really high because we've had speed. Last year at this time we were looking for speed which is tougher to find. We still want to have the good finish, don't get me wrong."