Rain began falling at New Hampshire Motor Speedway at about 2:00 p.m. At that time, the final practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series was cut short. An hour later, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying was canceled.
The field for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 will be set according to Sprint Cup Series points standings, giving points leader Tony Stewart the pole.
Alongside Stewart in Row 1 will be Jeff Gordon. Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch fill out Row 2. Busch was the fastest in practice earlier in the day.
“It’s always important when you go around to the tracks the first time,” said Kurt Busch. “You know in the back of your mind it’s a “Chase Race” when you go back.”
His No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge had a lap time of 29.149 seconds and a top speed of 130.667 mph.
“We knew it was going to rain but I still wanted to have a practice qualifying lap under my belt. That way, when we come back in September, we’re starting off with notes that are current.”
Stewart hit the wall during practice and will have to go to a back-up car, but will use the same engine.
Teams will have two more practice sessions on Saturday before the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday.
With the weather subsiding, the NASCAR Camping World Series East Heluva Good! Summer 125 started as scheduled at 5:10 p.m.
A limited number of tickets remain for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. The LENOX Speed Zone seating section offers fans a $39 Sunday ticket giving them the unique opportunity to experience NASCAR racing for approximately 13 cents a lap!
To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Press Release