Cedar Rapids qualifying report

Clanton claims Cedar Rapids pole.

Cedar Rapids, IA (September 7, 2002) - Veteran Joey Clanton won his fourth pole of 2002 and the sixth of his ASA career with a fast time of 18.979 secs. / 94.842 mph. It gives him the top starting position for Sunday's Iowa 300. The qualifying effort comes with Clanton holding a 32-point margin over Gary St. Amant in the championship point's standings.

"The biggest thing is picking up five championship points on Gary St. Amant," said Clanton, following qualifying. "Butch (Miller) always tries to put one up at end of qualifying and just wasn't able to do so today. I finally have a good starting position h ere in Iowa."

On the issue of Mike Eddy, whom Clanton bumped from behind late in the May event at Hawkeye Downs before taking the victory, Clanton said," I hope we have our differences aside as it was just part of racing. Mike won't take you out just to take you out. Th at is the one race I would take all year if I could."

Mike Eddy will start 17th in Sunday's Iowa 300.

Butch Miller of Michigan will start alongside Clanton on Sunday as his time of 19.009 secs. / 94.692 mph. It marks the sixth time Miller has started from a front row position in only 10 starts this season.

Kevin Cywinski of Wausau (WI), Mike Garvey of Atlanta and Robbie Pyle of Columbus rounded out the top-five qualifiers.

Race day activities find the spectator gates opening at 10 a.m. with the on-track fan autograph session featuring Cathy Hart and Strangely Familiar providing the music entertainment starting at 11 a.m. The Iowa 300 will take the green flag at 1 p.m. (Centr al).

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