YAKIMA, Washington -- Jeff Bailey won the Bud Pole for the Aero Turbine Mufflers 200 in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series at Yakima (Wash.) Speedway. He got around the 1/2-mile oval in 18.970 seconds (94.887 mph) in his S&P Construction/Craig Racing Engines Chevrolet.
It was the first pole of the season for the driver out of Kennewick, Wash. and the second of his career in the Northwest Series. His first pole came in 2003 at Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Leading Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Jeff Barkshire logged the second-fastest time at 18.997 seconds (94.752 mph).
Those two drivers are locked into the front row for the main event tomorrow evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. PDT. The rest of the field was set by twin 25-lap qualifying races.
The first of the two heat races was won by Brandon Riehl, of Boring, Ore. in the Aero Turbine/Darrell’s Economy Muffler Chevrolet. Bailey finished second followed by Travis Bennett. John Dillon and Wilbur Bruce rounded out the top five.
The second qualifying race was won by Garrett Evans of East Wenatchee, Wash. in his Leonard Evans Hyundai/Signature Finance/Pure Power Lubricants Chevy. Barkshire finished second followed series points leader Jeff Jefferson. Gary Lewis and John Bender rounded out the top five.
Jim McVey experienced motor problems during practice and is expected to make repairs overnight and join the back of the field for Sunday’s race. John Wood also is expected to arrive on Sunday and compete.
Aero Turbine Mufflers 200
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, NORTHWEST SERIES
Yakima Speedway September 4, 2005
ROW 1
1. 27 Jeff Bailey, Kennewick Wash. S & P Construction/Craig Racing Engines Chevrolet 18.970 94.887
2. 46 Jeff Barkshire, Auburn Wash. * Centennial Batteries/Pure Power Lubricants Dodge 18.997 94.752
ROW 2
3. 69 Brandon Riehl, Boring Ore. Aero Turbine/Darrels Economy Muffler Chevrolet 19.012 94.677
4. 64 Garrett Evans, East Wenatchee Wash. Leo. Evans Hyundai/Signature Financing Chevrolet 19.039 94.543
ROW 3
5. 33 Travis Bennett, Ellensburg Wash. Rainbow Enterprises/Knudson Lumber Chevrolet 19.063 94.424
6. 42 Jeff Jefferson, Naches Wash. LeMay Museum/Morgan Transport Chevrolet 19.075 94.364
ROW 4
7. 25 John Dillon, Eagle Idaho Frontier Equipment Co. Chevrolet 19.192 93.789
8. 73 Gary Lewis, Bothell Wash. World's Gym/Nutter Racing Engines Pontiac 19.098 94.251
ROW 5
9. 8 Wilbur Bruce, Lakewood Wash. Quality Rentals/Rent 'N Roll Chevrolet 19.090 94.290
10. 18 John Bender, Snohomish Wash. OSO Lumber/Natural Concepts Landscaping Chevrolet 19.256 93.477
ROW 6
11. 37 Mike Longton, Yakima Wash. * Pendleton Excavating/Owens Enterprises Chevrolet 19.120 94.142
12. 76 Roger Habich, Monroe Wash. Rock Church/Rock of Ages Plumbing Chevrolet 19.200 93.750
ROW 7
13. 51 Erick Hargraves, Yakima Wash. * Pacific Coast Power Sports/P.J. Tires Pontiac 19.372 92.918
14. 38 Steven Howard, Roy Wash. Great NW Homes/Seddon Mrktg. Group Chevrolet 19.176 93.867
ROW 8
15. 28 Matt Hall, Spokane Wash. Qwik Evict/Affordable Graphics Chevrolet 19.476 92.421
16. 1 Ed Thomsen, Richland Wash. * Thomsen Racing Chevrolet 19.530 92.166
ROW 9
17. 39 Pete Harding, Surrey B.C. Canada L.P. Body Shop / Yale Forklift Chevrolet 19.209 93.706
18. 55 Ed Watson, Mt. Vernon Wash. Creekside Retirement Comm. Chevrolet 19.406 92.755
* Denotes Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender
