Goeters was the hero of the day for thousands of Mexican fans. Credit: VPS/Autostock

Goeters wins pole in first Busch Series attempt

Mexico City native has hometown crowd on its feet after stirring run

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexico's Jorge Goeters stunned the field and thrilled the hometown fans Saturday by winning the pole for the Busch Series race, the first NASCAR race in Mexico.

A roar rose from the stands as Goeters' average time of 103.366 was announced, giving him the poll for Sunday's race, which will also be his first NASCAR start.

Lineup: Telcel Motorola 200 Pos. Driver Speed 1. J. Goeters 103.366 mph 2. R. Gordon 103.174 3. M. Truex Jr. 103.109 4. B. Said 103.079 5. R. Fellows 103.079 * -- Complete lineup, click here Mexico City native Jorge Goeters wins the pole for the Mexico 200 Michel Jourdain qualifies 18th in his backup car Rusty Wallace runs a conservative qualifying lap Armando Fitz piensa que NASCAR es justificado en ir a Mexico Sign up for TrackPass now BUY YOUR NEXTEL DRIVER PHONE

His accomplishment also salvaged the day for the fans, who were disappointed after local favorite Adrian Fernandez crashed on his qualifying run earlier.

"It's the happiest day of my life," Goeters said.

"This event is very exciting for all of us. Not only is this an opportunity to showcase our drivers, but it has been a great way to show the world what our country is all about."

Goeters' run in his No. 66 Ford bumped Nextel Cup veteran Robby Gordon to second-fastest on the 2.518-mile road course.

"I can't say that the lap was perfect as I was a little loose in the corners," Goeters said. " just tried to be as smooth and careful as possible. I didn't even know the lap was that good until my team told me, 'You did it, you are the man.'"

Goeters didn't have long to enjoy it, though. He was also starting on the pole in Saturday's Corona Challenge race, a local stock car league that NASCAR hopes will eventually become a local development series.

The 34-year-old Goeters has won Mexican titles in trucks (2002), Mustangs (1997), sport prototypes and tractor trucks (both in 1996).

But even in Mexico City, he's been overshadowed by a half-dozen other drivers, such as Fernandez, Busch Series rookie Michel Jourdain Jr. and Champ Car driver Mario Dominguez.

Gordon will have to drop to the back of the pack because he had to change an engine after practice on Friday.

Defending champion Martin Truex Jr. was third-fastest, followed by road-race specialists Boris Said and Ron Fellows.

Even the Mexicans who know the track best were having trouble staying on course.

Fernandez had a session-best practice lap on Friday, but spoiled a torrid lap by sliding wide on the sixth turn and banging into a wall.

Jourdain recovered from a nasty practice crash and battled his oval-track backup car around the course to qualify.