East and Jones on front row at Richmond

Bobby East and Levi Jones will form the front row for tomorrow night's 100 lap James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

East, who won the Silver Crown race here in 2004 and the Sprint race last year, was only eighth fastest in practice but worked on it with his crew to take the pole at a speed of 132.441 mph.

"We unloaded decent at best," East said, "and the guys got to working on it and got it quite a bit better. We're working with a new engine package and that put us behind. As far as handling goes we're pretty good. We're not sure gearing wise. It's just a couple of new things. We're going into a little bit of unknown territory but we're pretty happy with the way the car's been driving."

Jones, who is looking for his first win at Richmond, was fifth fastest in practice and stepped it up to second fastest qualifier at 131.883 mph.

"Our car was as good as I could have expected unloading," Jones said. "I was just the guy slowing it down. I've got a really good group of guys. They looked at different parts of the race track and just helped me with my line. They went that hour long practice and just had the stagger right. The car felt good in qualifying and we were able to put it on the front row.

"Tomorrow's race being a hundred lap race silver crown race starting on the front usually helps taking car of your equipment. You're not trying to pass people for the first part of the raceyou can take care of your tires for the last 20 laps or so."

Tomorrow night's 100 lap, 75 mile championship event will take the green flag at 6:15 PM EDT.