Newman captures the Irwin Tools Night Race pole

Ryan Newman captured the pole for Saturday night’s Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway with a lap of 122.811MPH (15.624 secs).

[media-credit name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”230″][/media-credit]This was Newman’s 48^th career pole in the Sprint Cup Series.

“I just was telling the guys, they did a good job. The car drove the same as it did in practice. When I ran in 95’ I did the exact same things but I guess I ran a little bit quicker. It’s a good run, gotta thank Bass Pro Shops, and Realtree. Hunting season is coming up so were raising more awareness about that. I don’t know if we will win the pole but it is a good team effort for us.” Newman said.

Carl Edwards qualified second, Matt Kenseth third, Jeff Gordon fourth and Mark Martin qualified fifth.

Edwards is glad to roll off second.

“At least I will be on the front row. I won’t get anything in my teeth up there on the Aflac Dental car on the first lap at least. Ryan did a good job and we did everything right today.” Edwards said.

“Not bad, but I thought it was a solid lap, we just missed the balance a little bit in the Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet.  I think we still have a decent starting position which is always a good thing here in Bristol.” Gordon said.

“Car’s just feeling really good today. I am excited; this is two weeks in a row. Last weekend the car was good all weekend too. I think we will have a strong car tomorrow night. Looking forward to a good run, I am starting to feel blessed to have this ride.” Martin said.