Illiana qualifying notes

Pyle claims Citgo / MDA 300 pole at Illiana.

Schererville, IN (September 21, 2002) - Veteran Robbie Pyle of Columbus (OH) won his third pole of 2002 and the seventh of his ASA career with a fast time of 19.835 secs. / 90.749 mph. It gives him the top starting position for Sunday's Citgo / MDA 300 presented by Texor Petroleum Company at Illiana Motor Speedway. Pyle's Wal-Tom Racing Team is based in nearby Chicago.

"We have a bunch of laps at this track as we test here an awful lot. I call it our own skid pad all through the season for practice," said Pyle, following qualifying. "I came over here last week and watched the Late Model race and stood down in turns one and two checking out their racing line."

Pyle's primary sponsor Citgo is serving as the event title sponsor with benefits to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He also takes an extra $1,000 for winning the pole. "It's a big boost for our sponsor and everyone on the crew as we want poles and wins during these final three races," said Pyle.

Joey Clanton of Georgia, the current ASA Racing Series point's leader will start alongside Pyle on Sunday as his time of 19.894 secs. / 90.480 mph. It marks the ninth time Clanton has started from a front row position in 18 starts this season.

Butch Miller of Michigan, Gary St. Amant of Ohio and Mike Garvey of Atlanta rounded out the top-five qualifiers.

Race day activities find the spectator gates opening at 10 a.m. with the on-track fan autograph session featuring the Thunder Valley Band providing the music entertainment starting at 11 a.m. The Citgo / MDA 300 will take the green flag at 1 p.m. (Central)

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