Gurney, No. 99 Car on The Rolex 24 Pole

Wolf Henzler was the second fastest GT class qualifier in the No. 74 Tafel Racing Porsche GT3 with a lap of 1:52.199 seconds, 114.226 mph.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Alex Gurney, son of racing legend Dan Gurney, behind the wheel of the No. 99 GAINSCO Pontiac Riley, captured the pole for the 45th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Thursday at historic Daytona International Speedway.

Gurney toured the 3.56-mile road course of "The World Center of Racing in a Daytona Prototype record time of 1 minute, 43.475 seconds, 123.856 mph.

"It's a really big thrill," Gurney said.

"It really means a lot to me personally. So many stars in the race, so many good drivers and good teams. I feel like I've come a long way as a driver in the last couple off years and maybe this is some proof of that.

"More importantly, I'm happy for my team who has put more effort into this year than ever before. It's neat to have the car up front."

For Gurney, who is still seeking his first Rolex Series victory, the pole was the fourth of his Rolex Series career.

It's also a fitting pole for Gurney, who's father captured the inaugural Daytona Continental back in 1962.

"It would be awesome," Gurney said of a potential Rolex 24 win.

"This race has gotten so big and so many people follow it from around the world and it brings all these guys together. This would be the crown jewel to win. The qualifying doesn't really matter that much, it's mainly bragging rights. We're happy with that for the next day or so."

Gurney will be sharing the driving duties on the No. 99 car with Jon Fogarty, Jimmy Vasser and Bob Stallings.

Qualifying on the outside front row was Max Angelelli, who turned a lap of 1:43.475 seconds, 123.850 mph in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley.

Angelelli will share the driver's seat in the No. 10 car with Wayne Taylor, three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon and Jan Magnussen.

"It's going to be nice to start in the first row," Angelelli said. "Last year I started last so anything can happen."

Taking the GT class pole was Patrick Huisman in the No. 81 Synergy Racing Porsche GT3. Huisman, who posted a lap of 1:51.800 seconds, 114.633 mph, was the 24th overall qualifier.

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