Car Better Than Where it Qualified Says Smith

October 14, 2010

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 14, 2010) -- Regan Smith fell short in his qualifying lap Thursday evening, and as a result will start 32nd in Saturday night's Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

After a solid practice session earlier in the day, Smith said he didn't anticipate how much grip the track had during his qualifying lap. His time and speed on the 1.5-mile oval was 28.588 seconds at 188.890 miles per hour.

"We have a good race car and it's too bad that the Furniture Row Chevy is starting at the rear of the field," said Smith. "This is a 500-mile race and there's plenty of time to get to the front. The way our car handled in race trim during today's practice I am excited about Saturday night and feel that we can bring home another strong finish."

The pole winner was Jeff Gordon (191.544 mph). Rounding out the top-five in order were: Carl Edwards, AJ Allmendinger, Mark Martin and Paul Menard.

Saturday night's race will be televised on ABC, beginning with a 30-minute prerace show at 5 p.m. MT.

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