Rudd takes pole at Pocono

Ricky Rudd will start from pole for the Pocono 500 on Sunday, the Texaco/Havoline Ford driver improving on his practice pace to turn in a 170mph lap and secure his first Bud Pole of the season

Jun 15, 2001, 10:17 PM

Rudd was always a likely contender for pole, having set the pace in morning practice at the Pocono Raceway. He was also on top form in the last Winston Cup round at Michigan a week ago, taking a close second behind winner Jeff Gordon.

"That was a lap I didn't think anyone could do today, let alone us," said Rudd. "Really, to be honest, I didn't think it was that good a lap. I thought I had slowed up a little bit from the one I ran in practice. I was slipping and sliding a bit, I don't know if it was the heat of the day, but it didn't feel like that great a lap. I'm glad it turned out the way it did."

Rudd will start alongside leading Dodge runner Sterling Marlin. Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart and Mark Martin complete the top five, with points leader Jeff Gordon starting 14th.

For full qualifying results click here.