Qualifying Results
John Battista came out as the big winner during the three-race short track stretch, averaging a 3.67 place finish and winning two out of the three. This week we head off to Talladega, where Lucas Racing horsepower has dominated over the early part of the decade. It continues once more, with Battista on the pole for the first time in 2023. Tim McDonnell starts on his outside, coming in with five finishes 28th or worse in his last six events. Look for him and plate-master Johnny Reed Foley to be at the front of the pack by lap 10. Towards the rear, Scott Deutsch makes his first start for his new team, pairing with Connor Germain, Scott Drake and Geno Sphere in a 2022 rewind. Deutsch's former Ontario Motorsports shop was bought out by Wizards of Speed during the offseason, buying out old cars from the Lowe Racing stable. Look for these guys to pair up in the back in an attempt to steal some glory. In direct result of their fortune, David Butterworth will miss his second event of the 2023 season.
Talladega Winners Since 2020
2020 Spring: Alex Crapser
2020 Fall: Matthew Dominique
2021 Spring: John Battista
2021 Fall: Bink Lucas
2022 Spring: Tony Pizzaro
2022 Fall: Alex Crapser
*green indicates Lucas Racing driver
Canadian Joe Polson has qualified for his first career Extravaganza Series event in the Montreal Canadians Canadian Roadhouse Inc. Pontiac. He will become the first driver from British Colombia to enter a race, and is the first driver with the #007 in an Extravaganza field. This is an enormous win for Pontiac as well, who's return to the series with Mike Carroll and NSRA Racing in 2020 failed to pan out. Joe's only two Extravaganza in-race appearances before this season was a 35th and 24th in the two Nashville Duel's in 2021, accumulating in no points. Look for Joe 46th on the grid, hoping to stay in the draft all race long.
Friday, April 21st, 6:00 ET
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