Race Weekend Central

Kyle Larson Scores Auto Club 400 Pole

Kyle Larson continued his impressive start to the 2017 season in qualifying on Friday, picking up his second career pole. The No. 42 Ganassi Racing Chevrolet posted a time of 38.493 seconds (187.047 mph) in the final round. Larson put up his fast lap late in the session by moving up to the high line.

Denny Hamlin was second quick, 0.o14 seconds off of Larson’s time. Brad Keselowski, who is without crew chief Paul Wolfe for the next three weeks, starts third. Martin Truex Jr. and last week’s winner, Ryan Newman rounded out the top 5.

Matt Kenseth starts sixth, followed by Kevin Harvick, who posted the fastest lap in the first round of qualifying. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch and Daniel Suarez fill the remainder of the top 10.

Joey Logano did not make a qualifying attempt after his car took too long to clear the NASCAR inspection line.

Trevor Bayne, Gray Gaulding and Matt Dibenedetto likewise did not get through inspection in time.

Defending series champion Jimmie Johnson did not participate in the qualifying session but for a different reason. Johnson spun and damaged his car during the opening round of practice on Friday afternoon. However, the Hendrick Motorsports crew chose to focus on setting up the backup car.

Crew chief Chad Knaus explained the decision.

“Unfortunately we crashed the Lowe’s Chevrolet in practice today.” Knaus said. “I just felt it was wiser to get the car prepared correctly rather than qualify poorly. I wasn’t comfortable putting Jimmie in a position where he would have to hustle a car that he hasn’t turned a lap in yet.

“We are all the way out here on the west coast and we brought two race cars. If we were to crash this car, we would have to pull a car from a teammate and it would be a very difficult obstacle to overcome.”

Johnson will start 37th on Sunday.

The Auto Club 400 goes green on Sunday at 3:30 pm ET on Fox.

Qualifying Results for the Auto Club 400

About the author

Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.

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