Scott Sharp set a course record in winning the pole position Saturday for the third consecutive year in Trans-Am competition at the Des Moines Grand Prix.
Former Bears star Walter Payton qualified 17th in the 25-car field at 70.4 m.p.h. in his Ford Mustang. He later said he was suffering from the flu. ”I was just taking it easy,” Payton said.
Sharp had a fast lap of 75.6 m.p.h. on the twisting, 2-mile course over downtown streets. He set the old record of 74.8 in winning the pole last year, but mechanical troubles forced his car from the race a day later.
Sharp said he feels confident heading into Sunday`s 50-lap race.
”We`re just getting better and better and better every session,” Sharp said.
He led a Chevrolet Camaro sweep of the top three positions for Sunday`s race. Jack Baldwin had the second-fastest lap at 74.4. Defending champion George Robinson was at 74.3.
