Nascar – Matt Kenseth reacts and wins pole at Richmond

Matt Kenseth took pole position at the Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond. Heavily penalized by 50 points after his car was discovered with unapproved parts on its engine following his victory in Kansas, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver bounced back in the best possible way. By posting his best lap of 20??728 at an average of 130.334 mph for his second pole position in two weeks, Matt Kenseth broke the track record. Brian Wickers, who replaced the injured Denny Hamlin, allowed Joe Gibbs Racing to monopolize the first two places.

Jeff Gordon qualified third, ahead of Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer. Kyle Busch is eighth. Championship leader Jimmie Johnson qualified in 26th position, just three places behind defending champion Brad Keselowski.