Nascar – Earnhardt Jr takes pole in Kentucky

Dale Earnhardt Jr had not started on pole since the Richmond event last September. Helped by cloudy weather that made the track cool, the driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet set the new lap record by completing the 1,5-mile oval in 29 at an average speed of 406 mph (183,636. 295,4km/h) to claim the 12th pole of his career. “We thought we would have a top five car at the end of practice, but the clouds arrived before we qualified. This allowed the track to cool down, which gave us an advantage,” declares the pole sitter. “We were able to achieve a lap perhaps faster than the potential of the car offered. »

Carl Edwards (Roush Fenway Racing) is the closest to Dale Earnhardt Jr, failing by only 53 thousandths. Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick Motorsports) follows 79 thousandths ahead of Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs) who is also competing in the Truck Series and Nationwide events this weekend. Marcos Ambrose (Richard Petty Motorsports) completes the top five on the grid ahead of Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs) who is still looking for a victory to secure a place in the Chase. Ryan Newman (Stewart-Haas Racing) will start from seventh place ahead of Brad Keselowski (Penske Racing). Brian Vickers (Michael Waltrip Racing) and Juan-Pablo Montoya (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing) complete the top ten.