Larson wins pole for Sunday’s Cup race at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Larson gained the pole Saturday for the NASCAR Cup Series’ United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.

Larson’s 130.237 mph lap in his No. 5 Chevrolet was one other constructive for Hendrick Motorsports, which completed 1-2-3 in Las Vegas final weekend, led by race winner William Byron.

Larson gained the Cup championship in Phoenix in 2021. Byron certified third for Sunday’s race in his No. 24 Chevrolet.

Larson had the ultimate automotive to hit the monitor within the final spherical of qualifying on Saturday and edged Denny Hamlin, who will begin on the surface of Row 1 in his No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Larson additionally had the quickest automotive in observe Friday.

Brad Keselowski will begin fourth whereas Christopher Bell rounded out the highest 5.

“Qualifying is really important here,” Larson stated. “We got the pole in ’21 and that really helped us win the championship race. I think that No. 1 pit stall means a lot, so happy to be quick this weekend, quick in practice and have it translate to qualifying.”

It hasn’t all been excellent news for Hendrick’s group this week. NASCAR officers took the hood louvers from the 4 Hendrick vehicles — together with Larson’s and Byron’s — on Friday and can convey them to the Research & Development Center in North Carolina for inspection.

Any potential penalties could be introduced subsequent week.

Kevin Harvick, who’s attempting to win his tenth profession race in Phoenix, certified fifteenth.