Post by dalejrfan on Nov 5, 2005 2:20:49 GMT -5
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Despite having the fastest car in qualifying, Ryan Newman is going to have to race from the rear of the field in Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Newman's first qualifying lap of 192.947 mph Friday on the 1.5-mile Texas oval was easily fast enough to beat runner-up Jeff Gordon's 192.397.
When Newman began his run, Matt Kenseth was on top of the speed chart with a lap of 191.966. Newman's first lap was much quicker, but NASCAR's leading qualifier didn't realize it and kept the gas pedal in his No. 12 Penske Racing South Dodge planted firmly on the floor for a second lap.
The Rocketman didn't make it to the checkered flag, crashing hard heading into turn four when the right front tire on his speeding car went flat, sending sparks flying and the car skidding straight up the banking into the concrete barrier.
Newman, tied with Carl Edwards for fourth in the season standings and trailing leader Tony Stewart by 107 points with three races remaining in the 10-race Chase for the championship, needs a big day Sunday. But, now, he will have to start from the rear of the 43-car field in a backup car.
www.nascar.com/2005/news/headlines/cup/11/04/bc.car.nascar.qualifying.ap/index.html
Newman's first qualifying lap of 192.947 mph Friday on the 1.5-mile Texas oval was easily fast enough to beat runner-up Jeff Gordon's 192.397.
When Newman began his run, Matt Kenseth was on top of the speed chart with a lap of 191.966. Newman's first lap was much quicker, but NASCAR's leading qualifier didn't realize it and kept the gas pedal in his No. 12 Penske Racing South Dodge planted firmly on the floor for a second lap.
The Rocketman didn't make it to the checkered flag, crashing hard heading into turn four when the right front tire on his speeding car went flat, sending sparks flying and the car skidding straight up the banking into the concrete barrier.
Newman, tied with Carl Edwards for fourth in the season standings and trailing leader Tony Stewart by 107 points with three races remaining in the 10-race Chase for the championship, needs a big day Sunday. But, now, he will have to start from the rear of the 43-car field in a backup car.
www.nascar.com/2005/news/headlines/cup/11/04/bc.car.nascar.qualifying.ap/index.html