Chicago qualifying report

Cicero, IL (July 7, 2001) - ASA ACDelco Series leading rookie contender Johnny Sauter, of Necedah, Wis., captured the pole for Sunday's ASA ACDelco Series Chicago 200. His qualifying time of 31.472 sec./ 117.705 mph resulted in a third pole of the 2001 season and fourth of his career. Sauter continues to keep other ASA drivers wondering, as the Wisconsin-driver has racked up four-consecutive wins.

"My team is just awesome, even in with our qualifying setup," Sauter said. "At first we were slow but gradually got dialed-in. I'm thrilled to be on the pole at a place like this. The track really came to us."

Sauter's third pole of the season breaks the previous record of poles for an ASA rookie that he shared with Scott Hansen and Kevin Cywinski, who each captured two in their rookie seasons. Hansen was the ASA Rookie of the year in 1989 and Cywinski took top rookie honors in 1996.

Defending Chicago ASA winner Mike Garvey qualified second in the Tecumseh Chevrolet, while the lone Canadian in the field, Scott Fraser of Nova Scotia, posted the third best qualifying time. Gravey and Fraser made up the front row of last year's Chicago event.

Mike Eddy, of Michigan, won the 50-lap qualifying race after passing Greg Stewart with 19 laps to go. Florida driver Wayne Anderson ended up second, while Stewart came home third. Paul Paine and Chris Wimmer rounded out the top five.

Several Illinois drivers made the field for the Chicago 200, including Brian Schwartz of Countryside, Dave Weltmeyer of New Lenox, Matt Sielsky of Northbrook and Craig Smith of Godfrey.

Activities for the Chicago 200 get underway with spectator gates opening at 9 am. An ASA drivers autograph session is set for 10 am with introductions on tap at 11:30 am. The green flag will wave on the Chicago 200 at noon (local). The event will be telec ast live on TNN Sports.

-ASA