Jimmy Vasser on Pole at U.S. 500

05/13/96

Jimmy Vasser, current PPG Cup points leader, captured the pole position for CART's U.S. 500 at qualifications in Brooklyn, Michigan, at the Michigan International Speedway.

Vasser drove his Honda-powered Reynard through a lap at 232.025 mph, capturing his second pole starting position for the season. Vasser has won three races so far this year and leads Al Unser, Jr., his closest competitor in the PPG cup standings, by 20 points.

The U.S. 500 will run opposite the Indy 500 on May 26. Vasser won a $100,000 pole position prize for his efforts, and will take home an additional $45,000 bonus if he can win the race from the pole. Earlier this year Vasser led the entire IndyCar Australia race to win from the pole.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel