Martin makes his mark at MWR with Coors Light Pole run at Phoenix

Martin makes his mark at MWR with Coors Light Pole run at Phoenix

March 3, 2012

 

AVONDALE, Ariz.—- Mark Martin didn't need a second qualifying lap Saturday at

 Phoenix International Raceway.

Driving the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota, Martin claimed the 

Coors Light pole for Sunday's Subway Fresh Fit 500 at the one-mile

 track with a speed of 136.815 mph (26.313 seconds) on his first qualifying lap.

The next-to-last driver to make an attempt, Martin waited as 

Tony Stewart tried to knock him off the pole but fell one position short,

 qualifying on the outside of the front row at 136.126 mph.

The Coors Light pole award was the 52nd of Martin's career -- 

eighth-most all-time -- his second at Phoenix and his first since joining 

MWR this year.

Regan Smith (135.998 mph) qualified third, followed by 

Jimmie Johnson (135.583 mph) and Juan Pablo Montoya (135.547 mph). 

Ryan Newman (135.491 mph) was sixth-fastest in a backup car necessitated 

by a brush with the Turn 3 wall in Friday's practice.

Martin credited the equipment he's driven over the years with his success 

at winning poles and winning races.

"I've driven really good stuff, ever since 1988,” Martin said. 

"I did drive a couple of slugs back in the early '80s, but since then... 

you can't do that without superior effort and equipment -- but effort on

 top of that. It's more than equipment that does that.

"I think all of you know that I do work real hard at it, and I know that 

I have to work harder at it than the guys that are 20 years younger than me.

 I'm willing to do that to be able to continue to compete.

But make no mistake -- MWR and (crew chief) Rodney Childers have good stuff."

Martin turned his pole-winning lap on a track that was appreciably warmer 

and slicker than it was during Friday's practice sessions. 

The forecast for Sunday calls for even hotter temperatures, 

in the mid 80s, and that suits Stewart's driving style.

"I always like it when it's hotter and slicker, to be honest,”

 said the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. 

"I'm actually more excited that it will be hotter tomorrow.

 I think that'll hopefully separate some of the cars that

 we think are good cars now (but) may not be quite so good (on Sunday)."

Timmy Hill failed to qualify for the 43-car field. 

Last year's NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie of the year had hoped 

to make his Cup debut at Phoenix.

 By Reid Spencer
NASCAR Wire Service