TUMS QuikPak 500 Qualifying Cancelled After Day Of Rain

For the first time since 1995, rain forced the cancellation of Sprint Cup qualifying at Martinsville Speedway Friday afternoon.

 After a rain-filled morning, NASCAR officials announced just before 2 p.m. that qualifying for Sunday’s TUMS QuikPak 500 had been scrapped and that for the second straight week the starting lineup will set by the Sprint Cup points standings. That was good news for the 12 Chase for the Sprint Cup contenders, especially Virginia native Jeff Burton. 

 Burton won last weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway and heads into Sunday’s race second in points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. Burton has never been a consistently good qualifier at Martinsville and welcomed his front row starting position courtesy of rainy weather.

 "I was preparing my answer to the media on how I was going to catch Jimmie starting back in the field," said Burton. "I consider it a good break with the weather that we will be up front to start the race."

 Roush Fenway Racing teammates Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards will occupy the second row with Clint Bowyer rounding out the top five.

 Practice for today’s Kroger 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race was also washed out. Truck Series practice will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday with qualifying set for 10:10 a.m. The Sprint Cup competitors will begin the first of two practice sessions at 11:30 a.m. with final practice scheduled for 12:50 p.m. 

 The Kroger  200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled to take the green flag at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Good seats remain for the TUMS QuikPak 500, the sixth race in the Chase For The Sprint Cup, and may be purchased at the box office or by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

 Tickets for the Kroger 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on October 18 are also on sale and may be purchased prior to the race Saturday.