Needing a top performance in order to keep his NASCAR Xfinity Series championship dreams alive, Shane Van Gisbergen stepped up at the start of Saturday’s on-track action.
Van Gisbergen, 10 points behind an advancement spot in the Playoffs, earned the pole for the Saturday’s Drive For The Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, with a lap of 97.110 mph.
Green flag for Saturday’s race (broadcast on The CW) is set for 4 p.m.
Van Gisbergen’s three Xfinity Series victories this season have come on road or street courses (Portland International Raceway, Sonoma Raceway, Chicago Street Course).
Sam Mayer, 13 points out in his bid to advance in the Playoffs, qualified second with a lap of 96.871 mph. Justin Allgaier, who qualified ninth, is seven points behind the advancement cutoff and Parker Kligerman is 16 points behind.
Van Gisbergen also led Saturday’s practice session with a speed of 96.314 mph.
