Pruett takes Daytona pole

The American outpaced Italian Max Angelelli in the SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley by just two hundredths of a second - ensuring that the front row was locked out by the same two men as last year.

"Everything went right out there for us today," said Pruett. "Coming here with CompUSA and Chip Ganassi Racing for the second straight year and getting the pole position is just great. The preparation from the team is simply second to none - you just can't beat that kind of effort.

"The pole is definitely beneficial to get the weekend started on the right foot. They say a good start lets you avoid the mess at the back."

Angelelli expressed delight at his front row start, especially because of the star line-up of drivers that have opted to take part in what is being billed as the most exciting sportscar race for decades.

"I'm happy to be on the front row, especially this year in front of so many famous drivers, quick drivers and good cars," Angelelli said. "But it's disappointing when you cannot get the pole and you've basically been fastest all day long, so my enjoyment is cut 50 percent."

Starting third will be Max Papis in the Krohn Racing/TRG Pontiac Riley, ahead of Stefan Johansson in the New Century Mortgage Lexus Riley and Scott Dixon in the Target Lexus Riley.

The top eight cars were separated by less than one second and the top 30 positions for the event have now been locked after first qualifying. However, Friday will feature a second qualifying session for those cars outside the top 30 - as well as those that failed to make a qualifying attempt.