Martin Truex Jr. will lead the sector to the inexperienced flag, doubtlessly for the ultimate time in his NASCAR Cup Sequence profession, on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
Truex earned the pole within the last qualifying spherical at 96.190 mph (19.686 seconds). The pole capped off a day by which the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was additionally quickest in observe.
“It positively reminds you once more about how a lot enjoyable it’s to achieve success,” Truex mentioned of incomes the pole within the penultimate race of the season. “A reminder that if you happen to hold working onerous, good issues will ultimately come your manner. It has been a tricky stretch right here currently – particularly, the final three or 4 months – plenty of disappointing days. A variety of days the place issues are going good, and one factor takes it away. It’s irritating, as a result of from the surface trying in, it might appear to be we’re not making an attempt or that we gave up – we’re not working good or no matter, and that basically hasn’t been the case.
“I’m pleased with my guys for sticking with it and dealing onerous. We’ve been making an attempt onerous, so even when you’ve got a small victory like at this time, it is extremely cool and really particular. On this sequence, it’s so tough, and it reminds you that you know the way to go quick. That’s at all times enjoyable. I loved at this time, and I do know what I want for tomorrow. I simply hope we are able to get there.”
Chase Elliott (P) certified second at 95.840. He was the very best qualifying playoff contender. He enters Sunday’s race sitting final on the playoff grid.
William Byron (P) certified third at 95.951 mph and Chase Briscoe certified fourth at 95.796 mph. Ty Gibbs certified fifth at 95.912 mph and Harrison Burton certified sixth at 95.603 mph.
Alex Bowman certified seventh at 95.908 mph, and Ryan Blaney certified eighth at 95.487 mph. Kyle Larson (P) certified ninth at 95.593 mph and Austin Dillon certified tenth at 95.367 mph.
Joey Logano (P) certified twelfth at 95.661 mph and teammate Ryan Blaney certified 14th at 95.656 mph. Blaney is the defending race winner.
Christopher Bell (P) certified sixteenth at 95.632 mph and Tyler Reddick (P) certified thirty first at 95.146 mph.
Denny Hamlin (P) didn’t make a qualifying try. Hamlin crashed in observe due to a hung throttle and his group is repairing the automotive for Sunday’s race.
P denotes playoff driver.
