CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Ryan Newman proved yet again that no one is better at qualifying – no matter what the procedure might be.

Aided by a 13-second pit stop by his crew, Newman sped to the pole Friday night for the Nextel All-Star Challenge, edging Mark Martin and teammate Rusty Wallace for the top spot with an average speed of 132.306 mph.

The format included three laps and a pit stop, and although Kasey Kahne had a faster speed on the track, the combination of the quick service from the crew and a smooth entry onto pit road put Newman over the top.

Several drivers had trouble getting slowed down in time, including Tony Stewart, who spun out and wound up 17th out of 20 cars. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and Dale Jarrett were penalized 20 seconds for speeding on pit road.

“It was pretty good,” Newman said. “I’m pretty happy with the lap itself, but I think Kasey was a little bit quicker, for when it matters next Thursday night.”

He was talking about qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600, which is the more-traditional faster of two laps. Newman, who already has three poles this season, might find a way to make up the difference.

Elliott Sadler was fourth, followed by Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, rookie Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Joe Nemechek and defending All-Star Challenge champ Matt Kenseth.

This was supposed to be the final start in the special event for Martin and Wallace, both planning to retire after the season. But because they remain eligible as former winners, they hinted at coming back for the non-points All-Star race in 2006.

“I’m never going to say never to anybody, because I love this sport,” Wallace said. “My decision is my decision, but I’m not closing the door to anybody.”

Mike Bliss led qualifying for the Nextel Open, setting a track record with a lap of 189.208 mph. That beat the old mark of 188.877 set last October by Newman. Rookie Kyle Busch was second, followed by Casey Mears, rookie Travis Kvapil and Brian Vickers.

The winner of the Open advances to the All-Star Challenge.

AP-ES-05-20-05 2106EDT