Allec qualifies for Craftsman event

Carson City's Jerry Allec Jr. has qualified for today's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

Allec qualified in his second try on the Craftsman Truck Series after failing in his first attempt at Martinsville, Va. Allec qualified 32nd for today's Rocky Mountain 200 being held at the Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. Allec qualified with a speed of 123.296 miles an hour.

As the 32nd fastest qualifier, Allec won one of the 32 positions that was determined by speed. There were four other provisional qualifiers for the 36-car field, which also included a couple more Winston Cup drivers than expected. Allec's time was a half second faster than the next closest qualifier.

"We were only shooting for a top 30 qualifying," said Allec, who races for the Lonnie Troxell Motorsports team. "We're dealing with a low budget team."

Allec said his goal for today is "finishing and just picking up as many positions as I can." Allec said he'll be shooting for the $2,000 bonus that goes to the drive who moves up the most positions.

"It was all good," said Allec about his qualifying. "We actually got faster, faster and faster."

Jason Leffler won the pole position for the race on the one-mile track with a qualifying speed of 132.460. Steve Portenga of Sparks who raced at Champion Speedway qualified 25th in 126.130.

The race will be televised at 1 p.m. today by ESPN. Allec will be driving the No. 93 truck while Portenga will be driving the No. 39 truck.