Tucker Clinches Pole, Will Start First in T1 Class at SCCA National Championship Runoffs

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. -- After three days of qualifying, Scott Tucker is exactly where he wants to be for the start of the 47th annual SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America -- at the front of the pack.

Tucker's track record lap of 2:20.266 (102.662 mph) from Wednesday stood after the checkered flag waved Thursday afternoon. The driver of the No. 55 Level 5 Motorsports Ferrari 430 Challenge will start Sunday's race from the No. 1 position in the Touring 1 class.

Tucker is shooting for his second consecutive T1 national championship after winning that race here in 2009.

"We came here to sit on the pole and win the race. We're halfway to that goal," Tucker said. "We have had a very fast race car all week long. Our cars were prepared very well by the Level 5 team. It is a pleasure to go out there and drive them. Now, it's time to race."

Heat and humidity affected the speeds on this final day of qualifying as Tucker and the rest of the top three qualifiers finished the session within 2/10s of a second of each other. While speeds were off from Tucker's record pace from yesterday, the field continues to be extremely competitive over the 14-turn, 4.048-mile road course.

Last September, Tucker made history at Road America by setting the fastest race lap, qualifying on the pole, leading all but two laps and, ultimately, winning the T1 race. His outstanding performance allowed him to win his first national championship.

"That day last year, winning the championship, meant an awful lot to me as a driver," Tucker said. "Drivers like to win races, and it's always huge when you take a checkered flag. But, championships mean so much more. That's what we're focused on this weekend -- another championship."

The green flag is scheduled to wave on the 47th SCCA National Championship Runoffs Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m. All of the action can be seen live via the Internet at www.speedcasttv.com/scca.