The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series took to Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this morning to set the grid for the Great Clips 200. The qualifying session was executed in a single‐truck format and consisted of two rounds with 12 drivers advancing to the final round.
After barrel rolling last week at Daytona, Christopher Bell led the first round of qualifying with a lap time of 30.817. He will be starting third in the No. 4 JBL Toyota. This marks Bell’s first top‐10 start at Atlanta but is his second one of the year.
In round two, the top 12 drivers ran slowest to fastest. Matt Crafton claimed what would mark his 12 th career pole and first one at Atlanta. Driving the No. 88 Hormel/Menards Toyota, Crafton posted a lap of 30.836 seconds, 179.790 mph to claim the top starting spot.
John Wes Townley will join Crafton on the top row sealing the deal with a lap of 30.854.The No. 05 ESPFANCLUB.org Chevrolet driver recorded his second top‐10 start in three races at Atlanta as well as his second of the 2016 season. Only .18 seconds separates the top two starters. Bell wasn’t far behind with a 30.858, just four hundredths off.
Coverage of the 130‐lap race starts on FS1, MRN and Sirius XM Channel 90 at 4:00 PM ET.
Here’s the qualifying rundown:
Round 1
1. Christopher Bell
2. Grant Emfinger
3. John Wes Townley
Round 2
1. Matt Crafton
2. John Wes Townley
3. Christopher Bell
Top 10 Starters
1. Matt Crafton
2. John Wes Townley
3. Christopher Bell
4. Grant Emfinger
5. Cameron Hayley
6. Cole Custer
7. Ben Rhodes
8. Ryan Truex
9. Daniel Hemric
10. Ben Kennedy
I didn’t decide I wanted to pursue a career in NASCAR until the summer of 2012. I’m not a wrench head or strong enough for a pit crew so media was the next best thing. At the beginning of 2013, I started going to races and making connections within the sport. I also studied Motorsports Management at Sports Management Worldwide. Although I love what happens on the track, I’ve always been interested in what goes on behind the scenes and I’ve gotten to know many people throughout the radio, TV and digital media world.
While I’m a long time writer, 2015 was my first year actually covering the sport with www.nascarfemale.com . I also became a media correspondent for Raceline. I’ve been able to help the TV show gain recognition on social media. My current goal is to acquire more experience in covering NASCAR and move up the media ladder. Outside of motorsports, I have been an equine-sports statistician for 16 years.
I currently reside in Gillette, WY where I’m still involved with horses. I enjoy riding them, rodeo, swimming, traveling and meeting people.
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