St. Amant sets pace at St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (February 15, 2001) -- Ohio driver Gary St. Amant opened defense of his 2000 American Speed Association National Championship by posting the quick time during practice for the ASA Racing.com 300 at St. Augustine Speedway.

St. Amant, driving the Wynn's / ACDelco Chevrolet, turned a lap at 107.514 mph (16.742 sec.) around the .5-mile oval during a one-hour practice session on Thursday. The two-time National Champion likened the St. Augustine Speedway track to Madison International Speedway.

Before the practice session, St. Amant said it would be necessary to develop a rhythm navigating the corners at St. Augustine.

Posting the second quick time was the 1998 ASA National Champion, Kevin Cywinski in the Texas Roadhouse Chevrolet at 105.535 mph (17.056 sec). Rookie of the Year contender Johnny Sauter set the third quick time at 105.184 (17.142), while ASA veteran Butch Miller came in fourth (105.097 / 17.127) and 2000 Rookie of the Year, Joey Clanton, posting the fifth fastest time (104.956 / 17.150).

Three Florida drivers posted practice times in the top-20 in their quest for the 2001 Rookie of the Year honors. The trio was lead by veteran Mike Cope who turned the 11th quickest lap. Travis Kittleson recorded the 16th quickest time and Ed Brown the 19th

-ASA