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Phil Burkart was unable to make a full lap during Saturday's first session, as tire shake ended his run early, but in the final session he stepped up in a large way by posting a 4.750 at a strong 326 mph. At the time, Burkart had slipped into the 15th spot on the grid, so his last lap results were a major improvement. He will face Tommy Johnson in round one.
"That's a great way to finish qualifying, I know that," Burkart said. "It was pulling hard from the hit, and the biggest challenge you have down there is the bump where the tunnel goes under the track. It's a pretty tough spot down there, and it's easy to either spin the tires or get tossed right out of the groove when you go over it. I just focused on being ready for it and tried to keep the car in the middle.
"As nice as it was to move up from the bottom of the pile, up into the 10th spot, we still have to face a very fast car tomorrow. Tommy Johnson's car has been running well all year, so he's no treat for round one. Getting a win would be huge for us, but we know we'll have to be right on top of our game to do that."
BURKART JUMPS UP TO 4.750, WILL RACE FROM 10th SPOT
Phil Burkart was unable to make a full lap during Saturday's first session, as tire shake ended his run early, but in the final session he stepped up in a large way by posting a 4.750 at a strong 326 mph. At the time, Burkart had slipped into the 15th spot on the grid, so his last lap results were a major improvement. He will face Tommy Johnson in round one.
"That's a great way to finish qualifying, I know that," Burkart said. "It was pulling hard from the hit, and the biggest challenge you have down there is the bump where the tunnel goes under the track. It's a pretty tough spot down there, and it's easy to either spin the tires or get tossed right out of the groove when you go over it. I just focused on being ready for it and tried to keep the car in the middle.
"As nice as it was to move up from the bottom of the pile, up into the 10th spot, we still have to face a very fast car tomorrow. Tommy Johnson's car has been running well all year, so he's no treat for round one. Getting a win would be huge for us, but we know we'll have to be right on top of our game to do that."
