Jeff Gordon was fastest in the opening round of qualifying, then backed up his time in the second of two sessions Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Yet when it mattered the most, it was Brad Keselowski speeding to the pole position for Saturday’s Federated Auto Parts 400.
Richmond marked the 11th time Keselowski (126.618 mph) has qualified on the front row, and his fourth pole overall this season. Entering the year, Team Penske had qualified first just three times in 161 career starts.
Gordon will start alongside Keselowski, followed by Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano to complete the top five.
“I’m happy we are on the front row, but at the same time I see how far behind we are behind that No. 2 car [Keselowski],” Gordon said. “I feel like we have a race car that can compete with those guys. We’ll just go out there and try to make it happen tomorrow night.”
Needing a win to put himself in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, or a good points night along with some help, Clint Bowyer qualified a solid sixth. Rounding out the top 10 were Ricky Stenhouse Jr., rookie Kyle Larson, Kurt Busch and the spring Richmond winner Carl Edwards.
Richmond is the final regular season race before the Chase begins next week. Out of 16 spots, 14 have been solidified, with Ryan Newman (qualified 12th) having to finish 19th or better to assure himself a playoff berth. Provisionally the last driver in the Chase, Greg Biffle qualified 17th.
Last season Richmond was the site of a controversial race-fixing incident involving Bowyer, who won this event two years ago, resulting in NASCAR imposing record penalties on Michael Waltrip Racing.
“I really do feel like we’re a top-five car for sure, and anytime you’re a top-five car with a little bit of adjusting, some help, some luck — whatever the case — you can win these races,” Bowyer said. “I’m fairly optimistic. This is a fun race track and a good race track for me, and we’re going to hopefully have a good night.”
Following a career-best sixth place finish last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Danica Patrick will start 13th. Other notables include former Richmond winners Matt Kenseth (16th), Tony Stewart (19th), Kyle Busch (20th) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (24th).
Clay Rogers was the only driver who failed to qualify. He was attempting to make his Sprint Cup Series debut.
Federated Auto Parts 400 starting lineup