Marcos Ambrose has backed up his impressive third place finish in yesterday’s Bud Shootout aboard the Stanley Ford Fusion, with the fourth fastest time in official qualifying for next weekend’s Daytona 500.
Ambrose’s job however is far from complete, with a unique qualifying system utilised, which only locks in the front row starting positions, with the remaining line up determined by the Gatorade Duels on Thursday (USA time).
For the first of two Gatorade Duels, Ambrose will line up on the inside of the second row behind Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jnr, with the race determining the starting positions for the main event.
In an ominous sign for the competition, six Fords are currently positioned inside the top-ten on the time sheets, with a total of 49 cars attempting qualifying runs today.
“It was a good effort, it’s a fast car and we’ve qualified well,” Ambrose said.
“It’s the best speedway car I’ve had down here in my three or four years in Cup.
“I’m excited for Sunday, I’m excited for the Duels, and I think we have a real shot to win it.
“I was actually more nervous today (than in the Bud Shootout) because you know that any small jerk on the wheel can really affect your time.
“There’s not much a driver can do but mess up out there, they can’t gain any speed, but they can sure lose some.”
Daytona 500 Qualifying Results
1. Carl Edwards (Ford)
2. Greg Biffle (Ford)
3. Dale Earnhardt (Chevrolet)
4. Marcos Ambrose (Ford)
5. Casey Mears (Ford)
6. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet)
7. Martin Truex Jnr (Toyota)
8. Ricky Stenhouse Jnr (Ford)
9. Trevor Bayne (Ford)
10. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)
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