Race Weekend Central

John Wes Townley Snags Toyota Tundra 250 Pole

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Camping World Truck Series drivers participated in two rounds of qualifying at Kansas Speedway Friday afternoon. And when the final lap was made, it was John Wes Townley who scored his first career pole with a fast lap of 177.253 mph.

“It gives us a big boost of confidence,” Townley said immediately after his run. “We were really fast yesterday. I’m really excited about tonight’s race. I just hope we can get out front, stay out front and get the win at the end.”

Townley, who was also fastest during the first round, will start alongside William Byron, who will be making his first career start at the mile-and-a-half oval. Tyler Reddick, Cole Custer and Christopher Bell rounded out the top 5.

Point leader John Hunter Nemechek, will start sixth, followed by Matt Tifft. Timothy Peters, Daniel Hemric and Ben Rhodes round out the top 10. Meanwhile, Ben Kennedy, who will make his first start with GMS Racing, will line up 11th, while Clint Bowyer will start 16th.

Round one of the session was slowed to check for fluid on the track after Rico Abreu had problems with his No. 98 machine. As it turned out, his team forgot to remove the cowl cover and his truck was starved of air and fuel. Later in the session, Spencer Gallagher tagged the wall, damaging the right rear corner of his truck.

The second round was much less eventful, though Daytona winner Johnny Sauter had trouble with his truck and was unable to post a lap. He speculated that a couple hoses had come unhooked inside the car, and though the team will be able to make the necessary repairs, Sauter will have to start at the rear of the field for tonight’s event.

Tonight’s race marks the final start for Townley’s crew chief Michael Shelton, who will be going into business for himself in Mooresville, N.C. The Toyota Tundra 250 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time.

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