Pastrana captures first career Nationwide pole
X Games star Travis Pastrana won his first career Nationwide Series pole Friday at Talladega Superspeedway.
The 10-time X Games gold medalist-turned-NASCAR driver topped qualifying for Saturday's Aaron's 312 with a fast lap of 176.500 mph on the 2.66-mile tri-oval.
Pastrana called it ''a dream come true,'' and is hoping the weather remains clear Saturday, when rain is forecast.
''It's definitely a huge accomplishment to be able to just start here at Talladega,'' Pastrana said. ''To lead them to the green (flag) is something I'll always be able to say that I've done - assuming we don't get rained out here.''
It's his second top-10 start in only 17 Nationwide races. He also secured the first Nationwide pole at Talladega Superspeedway for owner Jack Roush.
''Any time Jack's smiling,'' Pastrana said, ''I'm smiling.''
He qualified fourth and finished 10th at Daytona Superspeedway, the other restrictor plate race.
Austin Dillon will start second, followed by Trevor Bayne, Danica Patrick and Justin Allgaier.
John Wes Townley's qualifying time was thrown out because his car failed pre-qualifying inspection. His sponsorship was moved to Jeff Green's car so he could race Saturday.
