CONCORD, N.C— Kyle Larson will start from the pole in the Monster Energy All Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is his first pole in the All-Star race. Chip Ganassi Racing also scored their first pole in the All Star race. 

 

“May is a huge month for Chip Ganassi Racing in what goes on here and at the (Indianapolis Motor) Speedway. So, we are starting with a good starting spot here. I hope we win the All-Star race tomorrow. We were close last year. And the atmosphere of the All-Star race, well, there’s just something about it. It’s a lot of fun and not a whole lot on the line other than a lot of money. So, I’m excited for tomorrow’s events,” said Larson. 

 

Larson snagged the pole after Kurt Busch was assessed a 10 second penalty due to two missing lug nuts. Busch will start in the Monster Energy All Star Race from the fifth position.

 

Larson posted the fastest three lap average with the pit stop at a speed of 143.839 mph. Kyle Busch will start second with his average speed of 143.826 mph, Kevin Harvick will start third with an average speed of 143.504 mph, Jimmie Johnson will start third with his average speed of 133.123, and Ku. Busch rounded out the top-five with an average speed of 132.703 mph.

 

Ryan Newman was the only driver to spin during qualifying. He was able to hold the throttle without hitting anything. He was able to post an average speed of 136.563 mph to start 15th on Saturday night.

 

In the first round, Martin Truex, Jr. received a five second penalty on pit road due to a loose lug nut. In the second round, Johnson was also assessed a five second penalty for having too many crew members over the wall too soon.

 

 

Harvick won the fastest pit crew award after posting the best average pit stop time during both rounds of qualifying.

 

“That was really our goal.  The car was looser, but I don’t think that was a huge deficit for us.  As you look at the lap we probably could have run a couple tenths faster there, but, all in all, our goal was to not make any huge mistakes.  I feel like starting up front with the way that the tires are and the way that everything is will be a huge benefit because of the fact of your average position and all of the things that have to happen,” said Harvick about the difference between the rounds. We just didn’t want to start in the back, so lugnuts tight, not sliding through the pit box, don’t miss pit road and don’t overdrive the car.  We probably could have all done a little bit better, but all in all we didn’t make any huge mistakes and that was the goal.”

 

The Monster Energy All-Star Race coverage will kick off on Motor Racing Network and Fox Sports 1 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Monster Energy Open. Qualifying for the open will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 4:35 p.m. EST.

Caleb Whisler
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