Phoenix: Qualifying report

TYLER CLAIMS SILVER CROWN POLE AT PHOENIX

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Brian Tyler of Parma, Mich. opened the new era of Silver Crown racing Saturday with his third career pole, which came at Phoenix International Raceway.

Tyler, driving one of the four C&R chassis, whipped around the one-mile oval at 27.518 seconds (130.823 mph), pitting four different manufactured cars in the qualifying results for the "Copper World Classic" 50-lapper, deemed the "Fast Signs 50."

"The more we get out there and run laps, the better off the car is," Tyler said. "We haven't run that many laps, but (chassis builder) Chris Paulsen keeps getting it closer to where it needs to be. Chris and his guys put together a good racecar, and it feels very safe.

"I'm definitely looking forward to running tomorrow," Tyler continued. "I wish it was still 100 laps, because it usually takes about 50 laps to really get into the groove, but we should be fine."

Floridian Wayne Reutimann Jr. will start his Stealth alongside Tyler. Aaron Pierce, a native of Muncie, Ind. driving a Riley, will start third, while four-time reigning event champion Dave Steele will start fourth.

Bud Kaeding, who had the session's second quick time in a DRC, will start sixth. Drivers who qualified three spots outside their original qualifying time could start at best sixth for the feature.

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