Butch Miller sets Nashville track reconrd

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 1, 2001) – Three-time ASA National Champion and current ASA National points leader Butch Miller continued to show his dominance of qualifying in 2001, capturing his third pole of the season while breaking the ASA track record with his pole qualifying run at Nashville Speedway USA in Nashville, Tenn., for Saturday’s Luxaire 300 presented by Hecht’s Department Store. Miller’s lap of 18.922 seconds (113.392 mph) beat the former track record, set by Tim Sauter in 1999 (18.950 sec.).

“I’m pretty happy, absolutely tickled to death with this run,” said Miller. “I thought going out early would hurt us and I didn’t think the time would be good enough, but it worked to our advantage today. The track was exactly the same when we went out on a sticker run in the last practice session. We have a great car for the race.”

Joey Clanton wasn’t able to break into the 18-second bracket, but still qualified second with his lap of 19.013 sec. (112.849 mph). Clanton, the 2000 ASA Rookie of the Year, already has two wins in the 2001 season.

“All I did was mash the gas pedal down and gave it all I could,” said Clanton. “The car was tight, but the sun coming out helped us more than anything. We have a good car that is ready for the race.”

Mike Garvey set the third-quickest time, turning a lap of 19.095 sec. (112.364 mph) despite not even participating in the final practice session. Greg Stewart turned in his best qualifying time of the season and will start fourth (19.129 sec. / 112.165 mph), while Robbie Pyle will start fifth (19.145 sec. / 112.071 mph).

Miller’s pole was the 40th of his career, which ties him with Mark Martin for third on the all-time list.

Mike Cope won the 100-lap qualifying race, beating Ricky Bryant, J.C. Beattie and Doug Mahlik to the line. Cope took the lead from Bryant on lap 21 and never relinquished it, qualifying himself and the top eight cars for Saturday’s event. Brad Lemley, Rick Nelson, Greg Williams and Herb Eddy all qualified for the event.

Activities for the Luxaire 300 presented by Hecht's Department Store begin on Saturday with ASA's exclusive on-track autograph session scheduled for 6 p.m . Pre-race ceremonies begin at 7:15 with the green at 8 p.m.

-ASA