Smith Qualifies 9th in Darlington

May 11, 2012

Regan Smith notched a top-10 starting position for Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. 

In Friday's time trials, Smith qualified ninth in his No. 78 Furniture Row/CSX Play it Safe Chevrolet. He covered the 1.366-mile oval in 27.451 seconds at 179.141 miles per hour to post his fourth top-10 qualifying effort of the season. 

"We needed a lift and it looks like the Darlington mojo is still there," said Smith, the defending Southern 500 champion. "We've been struggling lately, but right now we're feeling as if we made some good moves and are really looking forward to tomorrow night's race." 

Smith added, "I like the way our Furniture Row/CSX Play it Safe Chevy is handling. This is one of the most exciting races of the season and I can't wait for it to start."

Smith's car will be carrying the "I Brake for Trains" bumper sticker, which is part of CSX Transportation Play it Safe campaign to urge pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution around railroad tracks.

The pole winner was Greg Biffle (180.257 mph).  Rounding out the top-10 in order were: Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Smith and Jeff Burton. 

The Southern 500 will be televised on FOX, beginning with a 30-minute prerace show at 4:30 p.m. MT (6:30 p.m. ET).