CONCORD, N.C., May 20 (UPI) -- Ryan Newman won the pole Friday for Saturday night's NASCAR all-star race at the Lowe's Motor Speedway.
The 90-lap race, dubbed the Nextel All-Star Challenge, will not count in the season-long NASCAR points chase. The winner, however, will earn more than $1 million.
The qualifying consisted of three laps plus a four-tire pit stop. Newman turned in the best time of 2:02.443.
"It's a cool deal to have the guys there and be a part of qualifying," said Newman. "It's a team sport, it should be recognized as that and events like this are a lot of fun."
Mark Martin had the second best time, followed by Rusty Wallace and Elliott Sadler.
The field will consist of 22 drivers rather than the 43 who make up the normal NASCAR race.
