Qualifying was held yesterday for Saturday’s ARCA Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway with Venturini Motorsports securing the front row with drivers John Wes Townley and Milka Duno. Townley took the pole, circling the 2.5-mile superspeedway in 49.638 seconds, with an average speed of 181.313 mph.
Starting lineup for ARCA Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona
Matt Weaver
Both Townley and Duno have been oft-criticized during their career for not being as competitive as the rest of the field. The pair has also been at the center of numerous accidents over the years with Duno even leaving the IndyCar Series after failing to keep up with the rest of the field.
For the Venturini duo, Saturday is about changing perceptions and starting off the season with a statement that they belong in major league stock car racing. Townley is set to compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season for Red Horse Racing while Duno is preparing to compete full-time in ARCA.
"I'm so excited," Townley said. "It's great for Venturini Motorsports, and certainly great for Zaxby's. Tomorrow's going to be the day that really counts, but it means a lot to be able to come here and get the pole. We just need to come out tomorrow and back it up.
"The car is working very well in the draft too, so I think it'll hold up very well in the race."
Duno qualified a career-best second at 180.505 mph, securing the front row sweep for Venturini.
"This is wonderful," said Duno. "I now have the tools and the right people around me. This is my first race with Venturini Motorsports, and we're going to do a super job together in the race tomorrow."
The Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. and will air on Speed. Here’s the complete starting lineup for today’s season-opening ARCA Race:
1. John Wes Townley
2. Milka Duno
3. Bobby Gerhart
4. Darrell Wallace Jr.
5. Julian Jousse
6. Grant Enfinger
7. Ricky Ehrgott
8. Chris Buescher
9. Mason Mingus
10. Tom Hessert
11. Kyle Larson
12. Chad Boat
13. Justin Boston
14. Michel Disdier
15. Brennan Newberry
16. Mark Thompson
17. Drew Charlson
18. Sean Corr
19. Frank Kimmel
20. Will Kimmel
21. Caleb Armstrong
22. Bo Lemastus
23. Mason Mitchell
24. Clay Campbell
25. Terry Jones
26. Donnie Neuenberger
27. Brett Hudson
28. Benny Chastain
29. Matt Kurzejewski
30. Josh Williams
31. Roger Carter
32. Spencer Gallagher
33. Steve Kemp
34. Thomas Praytor
35. Galen Hassler
36. Ed Pompa
37. Rick Clifton
38. James Hylton
39. Dexter Stacy
40. Buster Graham
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