CONCORD, N.C., May 21 (UPI) -- Rusty Wallace grabbed the pole for the NASCAR All-Star Challenge Friday night, upstaging teammate Ryan Newman.
Wallace averaged 130.947 miles per hour for three trips around the 1 1/2-mile banked oval that included a mandatory four-tire pit stop for his Intrepid.
He edged Newman, who has won more poles and races than any NASCAR driver over the last two seasons.
It was a big Friday for Dodge, which claimed eight of the top 10 spots in qualifying for the Nextel Open, including the first four. Dave Blaney won his second career pole.
Newman won eight races and 11 poles -- both series highs -- in 2003, while Wallace went winless. This year, Newman has won two poles but has yet to take a checkered flag. Meanwhile, Wallace stole some of his Penske Racing teammate's spotlight by winning last month's Advance Auto Parts 500 for his 54th career victory.
Wallace won this event in 1989, when he captured his only NASCAR championship. Newman won here as a rookie in 2002.
