Scites a familiar face on pole for Bailey’s 300

MARTINSVILLE — Davin Scites won his third consecutive Bailey’s 300 pole Saturday at Martinsville Speedway and in the process, broke his own track record that he set a year ago.

“We knew we had a good car and made some good changes,” Scites said. “Man, that car was awesome for qualifying. Kind of felt slow, but it was a good slow.”

Scites’ lap of 93.668 mph (20.216 seconds) came after several drivers were unable to find grip as the day wore on. The rising temperature made it appear that Nick Smith’s early lap of 93.460 (20.261) would stand up as the top one.

Smith, who finished third in points at South Boston Speedway after winning a track-high five races, went out seventh and laid down the fast lap. He had to wait 65 cars before Philip Morris knocked him off the pole. Morris’ time of 93.516 (20.249) was second fastest.

“It was a little nerve wracking,” said Smith, who made the field for the first time in three attempts. “I felt we put our best effort into it and it definitely paid off this year. Starting third is not bad, but I really wanted the pole. I feel we have a great shot at winning the race.”

Eight drivers broke Scites’ track record from a year ago. SoBo drivers Wayne Ramsey (12th), Eddie Johnson (13th) and Deac McCaskill (16th) made the field on time. The top 22 spots were set and the final 20 will be decided today in four 25-lap heat races beginning at 12:30 p.m.

“I’m disappointed but happy at the same time,” said Ramsey, whose Taylor Bros. car was one of two Fords in the top 22. “Come to Martinsville and you’re happy to just make the race, but we practiced really well and our expectations were a little higher than 12th. Overall, I’m happy and we’ll have a real good car to race with and that’s all that counts. We’re in the show, it’s Martinsville and who gets lucky tomorrow and stays out of trouble will be up front.”