ASA: Butch Miller Sets Track Record With Pole in Nashville

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 2, 2001

Early Qualifying Draw Helps Veteran Capture Third Pole of 2001

NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Three-time ASA National Champion and current ASA National points leader Butch Miller continued to show his dominance of qualifying in 2001, capturing his third pole of the season while breaking the ASA track record with hi s pole qualifying run at Nashville Speedway USA in Nashville, Tenn., for Saturday’s Luxaire 300 presented by Hecht’s Department Store. Miller’s lap of 18.922 seconds (113.392 mph) beat the former track record, set by Tim Sauter in 1999 (18.950 sec.).

“I’m pretty happy, absolutely tickled to death with this run,” said Miller. “I thought going out early would hurt us and I didn’t think the time would be good enough, but it worked to our advantage today. The track was exactly the same when we went out on a sticker run in the last practice session. We have a great car for the race.”

Joey Clanton wasn’t able to break into the 18-second bracket, but still qualified second with his lap of 19.013 sec. (112.849 mph). Clanton, the 2000 ASA Rookie of the Year, already has two wins in the 2001 season.

“All I did was mash the gas pedal down and gave it all I could,” said Clanton. “The car was tight, but the sun coming out helped us more than anything. We have a good car that is ready for the race.”

Mike Garvey set the third-quickest time, turning a lap of 19.095 sec. (112.364 mph) despite not even participating in the final practice session. Greg Stewart turned in his best qualifying time of the season and will start fourth (19.129 sec. / 112.165 mph ), while Robbie Pyle will start fifth (19.145 sec. / 112.071 mph).

Miller’s pole was the 40th of his career, which ties him with Mark Martin for third on the all-time list.

Mike Cope won the 100-lap qualifying race, beating Ricky Bryant, J.C. Beattie and Doug Mahlik to the line. Cope took the lead from Bryant on lap 21 and never relinquished it, qualifying himself and the top eight cars for Saturday’s event. Brad Lemley, Rick Nelson, Greg Williams and Herb Eddy all qualified for the event.

Activities for the Luxaire 300 presented by Hecht's Department Store begin on Saturday with ASA's exclusive on-track autograph session scheduled for 6 p.m . Pre-race ceremonies begin at 7:15 with the green at 8 p.m.

NASHVILLE, TN – The starting line-up for Saturday’s $187,160 American Speed Association ACDelco Series Luxaire 300 presented by Hecht’s Department Stores at the .596-mile Nashville Speedway USA. The top 20 drivers were set during qualifications with the re mainder of the field set through season points and a qualifying race. Listed is starting position, driver, make of car and speed for the top 20 qualifiers.

1) Butch Miller, Pontiac, 113.392 mph
2) Joey Clanton, Chevrolet, 112.849 mph
3) Mike Garvey, Chevrolet, 112.364 mph
4) Greg Stewart, Pontiac, 112.165 mph
5) Robbie Pyle, Chevrolet, 112.071 mph
6) Gary St. Amant, Chevrolet, 111.972 mph
7) Scott Fraser, Chevrolet, 111.808 mph
8) Kevin Cywinski, Chevrolet, 111.709 mph
9) Scott Hansen, Ford, 111.454 mph
10) Matt Sielsky, Chevrolet, 111.281 mph
11) Tommy Grimes, Chevrolet, 111.651 mph (2nd round qualifier)
12) Douglas Stevens Jr., Ford, 111.286 mph
13) Andy Johnson, Chevrolet, 111.188 mph
14) Tim Taylor, Chevrolet, 110.987 mph
15) Mike Miller, Pontiac, 110.970 mph
16) Johnny Sauter, Chevrolet, 110.958 mph
17) Ken Alexander, Chevrolet, 110.746 mph
18) Johnny Spaw, Chevrolet, 701 mph
19) Scott Wimmer, Chevrolet, 110.558 mph
20) Russ Tuttle, Pontiac, 110.535 mph
21) B. J. McLeod, Chevrolet
22) Mike Eddy, Pontiac
23) Mike Cope, Chevrolet
24) Ricky Bryant, Pontiac
25) J.C. Beattie Jr., Chevrolet
26) Doug Mahlik, Chevrolet
27) Brad Lemley, Ford
28) Rick Nelson, Chevrolet
29) Greg Williams, Chevrolet
30) Herb Eddy, Pontiac
31) Frank Gaudesi, Chevrolet
32) John Silverthorne, Chevrolet
33) Tim Jedrzejek, Pontiac, provisional
34) Chad Wood, Ford, provisional

Text provided by Jeremy Troiano

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