Whenever NASCAR visits Dover, Del., one can usually expect some sort of precipitation, even if there’s none expected to be in the forecast.
Rain began to trickle down during the final XFINITY Series practice, leading to a heavier mist as Cup qualifying drew near. Shortly after 4 p.m. ET, NASCAR canceled Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at Dover International Speedway, awarding the pole to Kyle Busch based on owner points.
Earlier in the day, Busch finished opening practice in 19th. He believed he upped his starting spot by “six to eight positions” had Cup qualifying actually taken place.
“I thought we had a pretty good car in practice, it just didn’t show the speed on the speed charts,” Busch said of practice. “As practice went on and guys were making their second and third runs, guys were starting to come back to us in lap times, where our car was really consistent. It’s better for us to not go out there and bust a really fast lap.”
Based on the rule book, Kevin Harvick will start alongside Busch. Ironically enough, those are the last two winners at the Monster Mile.
Playoff drivers will make up the top 12, meaning Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski and Clint Bowyer round out positions three through five.
Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson make up the top 10. Aric Almirola and Alex Bowman are 11th and 12th.
11-time Dover winner Jimmie Johnson will line up 13th.
There are two practices on Saturday (Oct. 6), the first beginning at 11 a.m. ET. Final practice is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. ET.
KOELLE: JUSTIN ALLGAIER SWEEPS BOTH FRIDAY PRACTICES AT DOVER IN NASCAR XFINITY SERIES
About the author
Dustin joined the Frontstretch team at the beginning of the 2016 season. 2020 marks his sixth full-time season covering the sport that he grew up loving. His dream was to one day be a NASCAR journalist, thus why he attended Ithaca College (Class of 2018) to earn a journalism degree. Since the ripe age of four, he knew he wanted to be a storyteller.
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Why can’t they qualify on Saturday?