In just his third career NASCAR Nationwide series start, and his first career start at Road America, Nelson Piquet Jr. has claimed the pole for the Sargento 300.
“I knew we were quick,” Piquet Jr. said after his qualifying lap to ESPN reporters. “It’s just a great feeling.”
Piquet Jr. was in the final group of the qualifying session at the 4 mile/ 14 turn road course located in Elk Heart Lake, Wisconsin. The lap of 133.660 seconds, 109.516 mph was not only the fastest in qualifying, the lap was the fastest ever recorded at Road America in a Nationwide Series car.
The previous track record was set last year when Michael McDowell sat on the pole, this year McDowell saw his track record fall, but he himself didn’t fall that much away from the pole as he will start second in this afternoons race.
While Piquet Jr. and McDowell are known for being strong road course racers, the two drivers in row two are known for their road course skills.
Ron Fellows and Jacques Villeneuve, will start third and fourth. Both drivers are known for their strong road course racing skills, and both drivers finished in the top- five in this event last year.
“On a road course it’s great to start up front,” Piquet Jr. said. “It’s more important to start up front more than on an oval.”
Only 43 drivers attempted to qualify and no one will go home.
Sargento 300 starting lineup:
- Nelson Piquet Jr.
- Michael McDowell
- Ron Fellows
- Jacques Villeneuve
- Max Papis
- Brian Scott
- Justin Allgaier
- Sam Hornish Jr.
- Miguel Paludo
- Danica Patrick
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- Michael Annett
- Elliott Sadler
- Cole Whitt
- Jason Bowles
- Brad Sweet
- Victor Gonzalez Jr.
- Alex Kennedy
- Mike Bliss
- Kenny Habul
- Kyle Kelley
- Kurt Busch
- Austin Dillon
- Tayler Malsam
- Timmy Hill
- Jeremy Clements
- John Young
- Mike Wallace
- Eric McClure
- Jeff Green
- Matt DiBenedetto
- Josh Richards
- Erik Darnell
- Casey Roderick
- Ryan Ellis
- Bill Prietzel
- Tony Raines
- Tim Schendel
- Chase Miller
- Matt Frahm
- Morgan Shepherd
- Matthew Bell
- T.J. Bell
