Texas Qualifying Report

Shell-Pennzoil Dodge driver AJ Allmendinger will start Saturday’s Samsung Mobile 500 from the 12th spot after turning in a lap of 28.568 seconds (189.023 mph) in today’s qualifying session here at Texas Motor Speedway.

“I’m bummed to tell you the truth,” Dinger said of his qualifying effort. “I took the green flag and the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge felt great. It screamed through Turns 1 and 2, but I just got a bit tentative in (Turns) 3 and 4. We’ve fought being loose all day and I just didn’t want to ruin the lap in the last two corners.

“The wind was really tricky, a push through 3 and 4 that makes the car loose,” Dinger added. “Some guys were good through 3 and 4; some guys were on the edge like us. We were good in qualifying trim in practice and just didn’t get the lap that we needed when it counted.”

Was the wind that big of a factor?

“Yes and no,” Dinger offered. “When you’re fighting loose all day the wind will add to your dilemma. Guys that could get through 3 and 4 with a good car had no issues. I’d like to see what the run looks like on ‘Dartfish’ and check the data of the run. Our Shell-Pennzoil Dodge is fast. We’ll start 12th but it could have been better than that. We’ll take it. I’m just bummed at the driver.”

Martin Truex Jr. claimed the Coors Light Pole Award today with his fast lap of 28.366 seconds (190.369 mph). Matt Kenseth will start second after posting a lap of 28.399 seconds (190.148 mph), with Greg Biffle (lap of 28.403 seconds/190.121 mph) third, Mark Martin (28.418 seconds/190.020 mph) fourth and Kasey Kahne (28.476 seconds/189.633 mph) fifth.

Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski will start the Miller Lite Dodge from the eighth spot after clocking in with a lap of 28.514 seconds (189.381 mph).

“We have really strong Shell-Pennzoil Dodge here this weekend,” crew chief Todd Gordon added. “We’re looking for another solid run here on Saturday night.”

Saturday’s Samsung Mobile 500 (334 laps, 501 miles) has a scheduled 6:30 p.m. local starting time on the 1.5-mile Dallas/Fort Worth Area speed plant. FOX-TV and PRN Radio will provide live coverage of all the action.
Credit - Penske Racing PR