Truex ties Logano, Thompson with pole at Kentucky Speedway

SPARTA, Ky.—Martin Truex Jr. posted the fastest lap time in Cup Series qualifying at Kentucky Speedway Friday, earning his 19th career pole in NASCAR’s top series.

Truex posted a time of 28.588 seconds (188.890 mph) in his No. 78 Furniture Row Racing entry in the final round of qualifying, earning his fourth pole of the season.

“The first round, I was a little bit off and then some of it was driver and some of it was car and we just—like we always do—we put our heads together and came up with a plan and we stepped it up,” Truex said.

“So feels good and thanks to everybody at Toyota and TRD (Toyota Racing Development). Yeah, starting up front is key, so first pit stall will be good for here.”

Truex is now tied with Joey Logano and Speedy Thompson on the all-time poles list in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The three are tied for 43rd all time on that list.

Erik Jones, last week’s winner at Daytona, posted the second-fastest time in the final round with a time of 28.611 seconds (188.739 mph).

“[Truex] just got through there a tick better than me, so it is what it is,” Jones said. “Second’s still a good starting spot here. Track position is going to be pretty important and hopefully we can just keep it up there all night and go for two in a row. It’s been a good start for us.”

Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch round out the top-five starters.

Coverage of the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart will be televised on NBCSN Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

SOURCES
Racing-Reference.info
Toyota Racing