Buescher Wins Fourth ARCA Pole, Second at Salem

[media-credit name=”ARCA Racing Network” align=”alignright” width=”180″][/media-credit](SALEM, Ind. – April 28, 2012) – Chris Buescher drove to the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell in just his second trip to Salem Speedway three seasons ago, and repeated that feat today in preparation for tomorrow’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200.

Buescher, driving the familiar No. 17 Ford of Roulo Brothers Racing, completed his qualifying lap in 17.06 seconds (117.116 mph) to edge Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott for the top spot. The 200-lap, 111-mile race will start at 2:15 p.m., with live timing and scoring coverage and live audio coverage available at ARCARacing.com.

The pole award was Buescher’s fourth in 37 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards events since 2009, and his first since July 2010 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Buescher’s pole speed ended up the fastest for ARCA at Salem since Justin Lofton earned the pole at 117.981 mph in April 2009.

After a cool morning and threats of sprinkling rain, the sun appeared over Salem Speedway for the afternoon qualifying session, causing slick conditions. Even for Buescher, who has six previous starts at the high-banked, 0.555-mile oval, the weather conditions gave Salem a new face.

“It’s definitely slick and definitely getting a little rougher,” he said. “There’s more character, I guess you could say. It’s still a fun track here. We’re working on it and trying to go a little better on these longer runs. I think this new tire’s falling off a little more, so we’re working on that a little bit. Overall, it’s still running pretty good.”

Buescher said the car he has this weekend is one he’s driven a lot in the past, and he figures the race setup to be as dialed in as for his Salem victory last fall.

“(Crew chief and team co-owner) Gary (Roulo) has worked hard all through practice and we think we’re in a good position,” he said.

Clint King, last fall’s Salem pole winner, and Tom Hessert completed the top five. Chad Hackenbracht, May 2011 winner Brennan Poole, Mikey Kile, Mason Mingus, and Erik Jones rounded out the top 10. Nine-time Salem Speedway winner Frank Kimmel will start 11th.

After leading the first practice but having to recover from driveline issues, Will Kimmel qualified 14th at his home track.

Starting Grid