The fastest driver in qualifying today was John Edwards from Newman Wachs Racing. Edwards’ best lap in final qualifying was 1:54.100 (116.740 mph), which guaranteed him second on the starting grid. However, his fastest qualifying lap overall was actually the third-quickest time on Wednesday at 1:53.715 (117.135 mph).“We’re starting P2, but we made big improvements from yesterday and I got it together on track,” Edwards said. “I was a whole lot more consistent and I think we were P1 most of the session today. I ended first, but unfortunately the track was slower today. That’s just how it goes in the two-session format. Jonathan’s on pole, but we’re here at Sebring and there’s a couple of long straightaways, so hopefully we can stay with him and maybe see if we can draft by him and win tomorrow.”

Starting Lineup for Round 1 of 2009 Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda:
1. Jonathan Summerton, No. 19 Genoa Racing, 1:53.571, 117.283 mph.

2. John Edwards, No. 36 Newman Wachs Racing, 1:53.715, 117.135 mph.

3. Frederic Vervisch (R), No. 17 Genoa Racing, 1:53.625, 117.228 mph.

4. Harald Schlegelmilch (R), No. 21 Conquest Racing, 1:53.810, 117.037 mph.

5. Borja Garcia (R), No. 6 Condor Motorsports, 1:53.984, 116.859 mph.

6. Markus Niemela, No. 1 Newman Wachs Racing, 1:54.083, 116.757 mph.

7. Jonathan Bomarito, No. 26 Mathiasen Motorsports, 1:54.206, 116.631 mph.

8. Simona De Silvestro, No. 78 Team Stargate Worlds, 1:54.525, 116.306 mph.

9. Frankie Muniz, No. 77 Team Stargate Worlds, 1:54.846, 115.981 mph.

10. Matt Lee, No. 2 Jensen MotorSport, 1:54.955, 115.871 mph.

11. Tonis Kasemets, No. 35 Polestar Motor Racing, 1:55.036, 115.790 mph.

12. Max Lefevre (R), No. 7 Condor Motorsports, 1:56.130, 114.699 mph.

13. James Winslow (R), No. 12 Conquest Racing, 1:56.531, 114.304 mph.

14. Mirl Swan (R), No. 88 Swan Racing, 1:58.965, 111.966 mph.

15. Sadat Yelkin (R), No. 75 Swan Racing, 1:59.275, 111.675 mph.

16. Ahsen Yelkin (R), No. 29 Swan Racing, 2:00.304, 110.720 mph.

17. Chris Lee (R), No. 68 Swan Racing, 2:01.561, 109.575 mph.

18. Michael Nacol (R), No. 3 Jensen MotorSport, 2:01.619, 109.522 mph.

19. Michael Mallinen, No. 71 Swan Racing, 2:04.026, 107.397 mph.