Bill Elliott Racing Team

JUPITER FL (2-26-10) – 17-year-old Casey Roderick, in the no. 51 Bill Elliott Racing-Phoenix Racing Monolith Hospitality Dodge, posted the fastest speed in ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards practice here Friday at Palm Beach Int’l Raceway in preparation for Saturday’s Tire Kingdom 150 presented by ModSpace.
Roderick, making his career-first road course appearance, seemed surprise by the effort.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting to run that good,” said Roderick, who finished second in his ARCA debut in 2009 at Rockingham Speedway.

“I’m not gunna let it get to us. I’m going to stick with our game plan, which is to get a good solid run in tomorrow’s race, don’t tear it up and learn as much as I can. The car’s good enough to win so the rest will be up to me. I just need to stay consistent, stay calm and we should have a good day.”

Car owner Bill Elliott seemed equally surprised.

“I’ve watched him race; I know he’s got the feel, but he’s still learning and there’s a lot to learn when it comes to running a road course,” said Elliott. “I still learn every time I get in the car. He’s done a really good job figuring out stuff; I’m very impressed.”

Justin Marks was second fastest followed by Robb Brent, Mikey Kile and Tom Hessert.

Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is next at 4:00 PM ET.

Practice Plays A Huge Role In ARCA Road Course Racing

The qualifying procedure for road course racing in the ARCA Racing Series is much different than it is on the ovals.

The qualifying order is determined by the speeds turned during the practice session, meaning the fastest cars will make their qualifying runs first. In addition, the qualifying format is much different on a road course, as cars will run in groups for ten minute sessions, with an individual cars best lap serving as his or her qualifying time.