Smith was off the line first and then it was just about a dead-even race. Both drivers were quicker than the previous low ET of the event, Smith three thousandths quicker than Coughlin.

Rickie Smith's incremental margins: 60ft(0.054), 330 ft(0.106), 660ft(0.073), 1,000ft(0.046). MOV: 0.0243 seconds (approximately 9 feet).

He will have lane choice against Janis in the final round.