Lakeland: Friday practice notes

Robbie Pyle quickest in Friday practice at Lakeland.

Lakeland (FL) March 21-- ASA veteran Robbie Pyle of Columbus (OH) posted the quickest lap in practice for the Jani-King 200 at USA International Speedway. Pyle, driving the number 63 CITGO car, toured the .75-mile oval in 21.789 seconds at 123.916 mph. Pyle turned his time in third of the three-one hour sessions following early rain showers that forced a revised schedule for the day.

"It's nice to have the quick time, although it doesn't mean a lot," said the 34-year- old Pyle. This years team is about half new guys, but maybe with more overall experience. We still have a Howe Chassis, but in many ways this is a different car that I have ever had. Bill McGowan (crew chief) has come on-board and made a quick impression."

$50,000 rookie of the year candidate Reed Sorenson of Georgia posted the second fastest time of the afternoon with a lap of 21.805 seconds at 123.916 mph. Sorenson, who racked up seven top 10-finishes in 2002, is driving the number 29 ACDelco entry for former championship car owner Bud Gebben of Michigan. Three-time former National Champion Butch Miller was fastest in the second session and finished third quickest on the day with a time of 21.848 seconds.

Sunshine state competitors Travis Kittleson of Merritt Island, Mike Cope of Tampa, Scott Lagasse of St. Augustine, Ed Brown of Leesburg, Justin Drawdy of Ft. Pierce and Ian Huffman of Deltona all posted respective practices.

On Saturday, practice resumes at 1 p.m. with pole qualifying scheduled for 5. The Jani-King 200 goes green at 9 p.m.

Tickets for the Jani-King 200 are still available through the USA Int'l Speedway with reserved seats priced from $25, $20 and $15 depending on seat location. Advance tickets to the season-opening event are sold at a $5 discount on each ticket by calling the track, 1-800-984-RACE.

For additional information on the ASA Racing Series visit asaracing.com.

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