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NASCAR Montreal: Marcos Ambrose snatches pole position from Jacques Villeneuve

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Khatir Soltani
Australian driver Marcos Ambrose clinched pole position for the NAPA Auto Parts 200 NASCAR Nationwide race in front of local hero Jacques Villeneuve.

The qualifying session was held late in the afternoon with the sun coming down on Ile Notre-Dame.

Marcos Ambrose (photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com)

The first driver to register a quick lap was Jason Leffler with a time of 1:41.24

Strangely enough, road racers such as Ron Fellows, Max Papis and Patrick Carpentier did not manage to beat the time set by Leffler.

But Joey Logano dit it! Logano pulled a quick 1:40.90 to clinch provisional pole. But the fastest five drivers were about to get into action.

Ambrose, in the No. 47 Little Debbie/Glad Toyota and Villeneuve traded the fastest lap until the Australian pulled a perfect lap out of the bag and set a time of 1:40.46.

“The track was in great condition with a lot of grip,” said Ambrose.

“It did not expect my car to be that fast. We made a lot of changes to it and it was really quick in qualifying trim,” said the Aussie.

Jacques Villeneuve (photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com)

Jacques Villeneuve, in the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota had to be content with second place with a time of 1:40.62.

“The car has been very good all day long,” said Villeneuve.

“It is running very well on old tires in the long runs. I thought my last lap was good enough for pole but I made a small driving mistake at the hairpin corner. Marcos (Ambrose) and I were really at the limit. It’s good to start from the front row as it may saves us from being involved in an accident,” said Villeneuve.

Joey Logano (photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com)

Logano will start tomorrow’s race in third place ahead of Carl Edwards, Boris Said, Jason Leffler and Paul Menard.

Andrew Ranger set the 11th fastest time but will have to start last after an engine change. Patrick Carpentier will start in 12th place, Ron Fellows will be 14th on the grid and J. R. Fitzpatirck will be 16th.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada