Pomona: Team Koretsky Day 3 report

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2001) - Rickie Smith piloted his Team Koretsky Pro Stock entry to the 13th-qualifying position for Sunday's AutoZone Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.

Smith, a future Team Mopar driver, clicked off a 6.893-second elapsed time at 200.38 mph in the second qualifying session. The King, N.C. resident will face Mike Edwards in round one.

"I'm just glad to be running tomorrow," Smith said. "It's really tough out there and I feel pretty fortunate. We are capable of doing a lot better, but I just can't figure out the starting line. We're either going to figure out the first 60-feet or really get it to move down at the top end."

Team Koretsky team owner and driver Kenny Koretsky failed to make the cut. The Pro Stock veteran ran a 6.918-second lap at 194.27 mph.

"We lost our chance by not qualifying on that first run," Koretsky said. "I can't wait for our new Neons and Nickens Racing Hemi. We will be really strong then."

-David Harris