SWS: Phoenix: Qualifying notes

Schendel Grabs First Southwest Series Bud Pole Award at Phoenix

AVONDALE, ARIZ. (January 22, 2006) Tim Schendel of Sparta, Wisc. collected his first career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Bud Pole Award after touring the one-paved oval of Phoenix Int'l Raceway Sunday morning with a quick lap of 27.157 seconds. Schendel will pace the 43-car field in the opening event of the 21st season for the Southwest Series. Eric Holmes, Jim Pettit II, Ken Schrader, and Eddy McKean rounded out the top five qualifiers.

Schendel, a regular on the Midwest Series was one of the fastest cars in practice on Saturday and is looking for his first win at Phoenix after several strong runs in recent years. "The car just stuck on that second lap," Schendel said. "I always love coming to Phoenix and this is the best car that I ever had here. I look forward to a great race."

The Southwest Series "100" is scheduled to take the green flag just after 1 pm this afternoon.

-nascar-