Qualifying: Spencer, Bodine do it again

Spencer, who is tipped to leave Carter's Ford squad for a Dodge seat at Chip Ganassi Racing next season, put in a lap around the 1.5-mile tri-oval of 29.166s, equating to an average speed of 185.147mph and pipping Bodine by 0.104s - a dominant margin.

The front spots were packed with some of the lesser lights in NASCAR Winston Cup racing, with Kenny Wallace taking third, ahead of fast rising rookie and Penske protégé Ryan Newman's Ford and the Chevy of the soon to be unemployed Kevin Lepage.

Tony Stewart and defending champion Bobby Labonte lined up sixth and seventh for Joe Gibbs Racing, but to find the two men embroiled in the thick of the 2001 title battle, one had to run one's finger down to the 10th row, where Ricky Rudd edged Jeff Gordon for the 19th spot.

Rudd is playing catch-up in the points battle and needs a good finish ahead of triple champ Gordon to keep his challenge on track.

For full qualifying results click here.