Qualifying: Kenny follows Park's lead

Wallace is filling in for Park, who continues to recover from a head injury suffered in a NASCAR Busch Series race at Darlington, South Carolina, on Labour Day Weekend.

"It's really great to come here and sit on the pole after Steve won the race," Wallace said. "They wonder if it is driver or the team and I'll tell you it is mostly the team in this case. They set that car up great. Steve did a good job setting it up for me."

It was Wallace's first pole since Bristol in 1997 - 129 races ago. Ironically, second-fastest qualifier Ricky Craven also suffered a head injury at Texas Motor Speedway in 1998 that ultimately led to post-concussion syndrome that cost him his ride a year later. Craven qualified a Ford Taurus at 154.351mph.

"I've actually talked to Steve's mom," said Craven. "I think Steve is a perfect example of how to handle things. I was an example of how not to handle things. The urgency to get back in the car exists. There is the difficulty of not racing, but it is compounding by seeing a different driver in your car. The insecurity of being a race driver comes into play.

Casey Atwood was third fastest in a Dodge at 154.255mph. Last week, he won the pole at Phoenix International Raceway.

"After Kenny ran that lap, we though we had a shot at it," said Atwood. "Third spot is good, especially after the week we had. We made a shock change after practice. After that we were pretty close. Hopefully, we'll start finishing better in the races. We've had a lot of good qualifying later in the season, but last week is the first we have been able to do it in a race. You have to have a little luck, too."

Atwood may be racing for job security after word that team owner Ray Evernham may switch drivers next season in an attempt to build up his team.

"I don't know what is going to happen right now," added Atwood. "I haven't been told what is going to happen. My biggest concern this weekend is win this race and then try to win at Homestead."

Jerry Nadeau was fourth in a Chevrolet at 154.247mph followed by fellow Chevy driver Bobby Hamilton at 153.716mph.

For full qualifying results, click here.