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BRASELTON, Ga. (June 28, 2003) Bill Auberlen, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., took his second SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge GT pole position of the season for BMW as the checkered flag flew in qualifying for today’s Round Five race, part of the Chevy Grand Prix of Atlanta at Road Atlanta. Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., and Austrian Hans Stuck completed the top three.

Driving the No. 7 BMW Team PTG BMW M3, Auberlen struggled early in the 20-minute session, but as the track dried, it came to him, turning a 1:31.110 (100.362 mph) on his very last lap.

“I went out with a stiffer car than others and on wet tires, and it wasn’t very good,” said Auberlen of the beginning of the session. “When other cars came in to change tires, we came in as well. The dry tire came in very quickly, and the balance was just right for the end of the session.”

Several cars were in contention throughout the session as it started mostly damp, but then dried on line. Pobst led early in the No. 2 Champion Racing Audi RS 6, but the session also saw Stuck’s team car to Auberlen lead into the final minutes. With two minutes left, Pobst went back to the top with a 1:31.653, but Auberlen took the point in the end.

Stuck’s lap of 1:32.302 (99.066 mph) was good for third, followed by Michael Galati in an Audi S4 Competition and Boris Said’s BMW.

It was Auberlen’s fourth career pole position in SCCA Speed World Challenge competition.

Nic Jonsson’s BMW M3 turned a lap good enough for third on the grid, but was found out of compliance following technical inspection. He will start from the back of the pack with no time.

Today’s race will make its standing start today at 4:20 p.m. Eastern. For live timing and scoring of the event, please visit www.world-challenge.com .

3.23 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."