After storm, Johnson takes Quaker State pole
SPARTA, KY - JUNE 29: A hospitality tent in the infield sits damaged by high winds during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on June 29, 2012 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty …
Posted: 06/29/2012
- By: Rusty Miller
-
By: Associated Press
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 winds 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.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PRINT
