Allmendinger takes pole for Road America Nationwide race

By Sports Network

The Sports Network

A.J. Allmendinger claimed the pole for Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Road America after posting the fastest lap in qualifying.

Allmendinger, who is making his first start in the No. 22 Ford for Penske Racing this season, made a lap around this 4-mile road course in 2 minutes, 13.410 seconds (109.233 mph) for his maiden pole in nine Nationwide starts. He is making his first start in the series in five years.

Owen Kelly, who is behind the wheel of the No. 54 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, earned the outside pole with a lap in 2:13.641 (109.044 mph). Parker Kligerman qualified third, followed by Justin Allgaier and Michael McDowell.

Sixth through 10th were: Nelson Piquet Jr., the defending race winner, Billy Johnson, Sam Hornish Jr., Brian Vickers and Max Papis.

Points leader Regan Smith will start 16th.

All 40 drivers who attempted qualifying made the starting field for the 200- mile race at Road America, which is scheduled to start just after 5 p.m. ET.

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