Published
|
Updated
SPARTA, Ky. – Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson overcame blustery wind to capture his first pole in more than a year when he edged Kyle Busch for the top spot Saturday at Kentucky Speedway.
A freakish storm with high wind that lifted tents and littered the area with debris caused qualifying to be suspended. The cars returned to the track shortly — after the temperature dropped 20 degrees.
Johnson, who had not won a pole since September 2010 at Dover, had a top speed of 181.818 mph and a lap time of 29.700. He edged defending champion Busch, who went 181.421 and was just 0.065 seconds slower.
Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick made up the second row.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.
Arrives Weekly