Earnhardt Wins Pole Position for Daytona 500

02/13/96

The Associated Press reported that seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion claimed pole position for the Winston Series' most prestigious NASCAR event, the Daytona 500. Earnhardt's best speed of 189.510 mph did it for him, placing him ahead of 1991's Daytona winner Ernie Irvan, who clocked 189.366, and last year's pole winner Dale Jarrett, who clocked 189.330.

Only the top two speeds claim starting positions for the 42 car race, the rest of the starting field will shake out of time trials through Tuesday, and Thursday's pair of 125 mile qualifying races. The race will run on February 18th.

Earnhardt has raced in the Daytona 500 18 times and has finished second three times. 1994 and 1995 brought his most recent second placings, when he followed Sterling Marlin across the finish line both times. All tolled Earnhardt has won 68 Winston Cup events, but never the Daytona 500, even though he has led more laps in the race than any other driver.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel