Kevin Harvick to begin title defense from pole in Chase opener after rain cancels qualifying

Published May 03, 2016

Kevin Harvick looks on from his garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway, Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, in Joliet, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

A race fan leaves during a rain delay in qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway, Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, in Joliet, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Rain has washed out qualifying for the opening race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Kevin Harvick will start his title defense from the pole Sunday. The reigning Sprint Cup champion was fastest Friday in practice and, when a heavy downpour at Chicagoland Speedway washed out the qualifying session, the field was set by practice speeds.

Joey Logano will start second and Team Penske teammate Brad Keselowski will start third.

Martin Truex Jr. will start fourth as four of the 16 Chase drivers were the fourth fastest in practice.

Denny Hamlin had a tough practice session and will start 30th, last of the Chase drivers.

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