Martin Truex Jr. grabbed the pole for tonight’s Pep Boys Auto 500 at AMS during a qualifying session that saw eight of the top 10 starting spots go to drivers contending for one of the 12 berths in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup. Atlanta Journal Constitution
Truex, looking for his first win this season, turned a lap of 184.149 mph to win the top starting spot for Atlanta’s inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race.
“When we unloaded, we struggled a little,” Truex said. “We really hit on something in the second practice, and the car really came to life. We made some more changes but then ran out of tires, so we weren’t really sure what we had.” AHN
“I want to go out on a high note for them and for all they’ve done for me,” Truex said.
Truex, 23rd in the Sprint Cup standings, is an outsider in the late-season competition for one of the 12 spots in the Chase for the Championship.
“I think the urgency is just that the year is coming to an end,” Truex said. “It’s been a tough year. We’ve had some great runs. We’ve worked really hard and really don’t have a lot to show for it.
“I sure would like to get to victory lane before the season is out.” The Associated Press
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta - Race Line-Up
Kasey Kahne of Enumclaw was second among qualifiers.
“It’s a big race for us,” Kahne said. “We need to figure out how we can gain points and race as fast as we can. ... No mistakes, and I think we should have a great shot at making the Chase. That’s the goal.
“That’s all we want to do right now, to figure out how to make the Chase.” Seattle Times
Jimmie Johnson (183.358 mph) will start third beside teammate Jeff Gordon (182.994 mph). Kyle Busch, currently 13th in the Cup standings and 34 points behind Matt Kenseth in 12th, qualified fifth at 182.771 mph. Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers, David Stremme and Denny Hamlin will start from positions six through 10, respectively. NASCAR
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