Smith Qualifies 20th for Coke 600

May 26, 2011

Regan Smith will start 20th in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In Thursday evening's time trials, Smith's No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet lapped the 1.5-mile oval in 28.456 seconds at 189.767 miles per hour.

"We were looking for better, but didn't quite get it," said Smith. "This is the longest race of the year so the starting position is not as important as in other races. But our goal is to work our way to the front and be strong during the closing laps. I love this track and feel we can do something good here."

The pole winner was Brad Keselowksi (192.089 mph). Rounding out the top-five in order were: AJ Allmendinger, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin and Jeff Burton.

Sunday's Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season, will be televised on FOX, beginning with a 30-minute prerace show at 3:30 p.m. MT.

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