Associated press1 minute read
AVONDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Larson took pole on Saturday for the United Rentals Work United 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.
Larson’s 130.237 mph lap in his No. 5 Chevrolet was another bright spot for Hendrick Motorsports, which finished 1-2-3 in Las Vegas last weekend, led by race winner William Byron.
Larson won the Cup championship at Phoenix in 2021. Byron qualified third for Sunday’s race in his #24 Chevrolet.
Larson was the last car to take to the track on Saturday’s final qualifying lap and edged out Denny Hamlin, who will start outside Row 1 in his No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Larson also had the fastest car in Friday practice.
Brad Keselowski will start fourth while Christopher Bell will complete the top five.
“Qualifying is really important here,” Larson said. “We got pole in 21 and that really helped us win the championship race. training and that translates into qualifying.”
Not all was good news for Hendrick’s team this week. On Friday, NASCAR officials took the hood louvers from all four Hendrick cars — including Larson’s and Byron’s — and will bring them to the North Carolina Research and Development Center for inspection.
Any potential penalties would be announced next week.
Kevin Harvick, attempting to win his 10th career race at Phoenix, qualified 15th.