Kurt Busch earned his first Superspeedway pole award on Saturday in Busch Pole Award Qualifying at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday (Oct. 13). The pole is the 27th in his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career and fifth of the 2018 season.
Clint Bowyer had his first pole since 2007 within reach before Busch came through and knocked Bowyer off much as Kevin Harvick did to Busch in May.
Harvick will start the race in the third position while Aric Almirola and Chase Elliott rounded out the top-five speeds in the second round of qualifying. Kurt Busch also was quickest in the first round of qualifying and was the last driver to turn a lap during the second session.
Hendrick Motorsports dominated a majority of the session but had to settle for fifth (Elliott), sixth (Jimmie Johnson), seventh (Alex Bowman), and eighth (William Byron). Kyle Busch will start from ninth, Denny Hamlin in 10th, Martin Truex Jr. in 11th, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 12th.
Notable drivers outside the top-12 include Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano who seemed to have better speed in practice with the pack.
With 41 drivers qualifying, one car was sent home. That car was No. 97 of David Starr with Obaika Racing. The organization was seeking to make their Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend but will have to attempt another weekend.
UNOFFICIAL Starting Lineup for Sunday’s 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega
The green flag for the 1000Bulbs.com 500 will fly Sunday (Oct. 14) just after 2 p.m. ET.
His favorite tracks on the circuit include Barber Motorsports Park, Iowa Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, and Bristol Motor Speedway.
During the season, Christian also spends time as a photographer with multiple other outlets shooting Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Minor League & Major League Baseball, and NCAA Football.