Though regarded as one of NASCAR’s best qualifiers, it had been some time before Kasey Kahne had last won a pole-position prior to capturing the No. 1 position in Sprint Cup qualifying Friday at Michigan International Speedway.
Kahne posted a lap of 201.992 mph to edge second-place Kevin Harvick and capture the top position for Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400. The pole was Kahne’s first since October 2012 at Kansas Speedway.
“This is a big start to the weekend it has been a long time since I had a pole,” Kahne said. “In the past it seemed way easier to win poles; the last three years have been more difficult for some reason to qualify first. But we were able to do that today and hopefully this will propel us into a good Sunday and also more poles and things throughout the season.”
In a nine-year span (2004-12) Kahne won 29 poles, including twice previously at Michigan. But in recent seasons that proficiency had subsided, as Friday’s run ended a 90-race drought.
“I think the competition is much closer,” Kahne said. “I think the drivers, the teams are better than what they used to be. A lot of times a tenth (of a second) separates 15 cars. I don’t remember it being quite like that when I first came into the sport when poles seemed to be easier to win at that time. I just think it is maybe a little bit of a feel in the car.”
Rounding out the top-five qualifiers is Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards and Ryan Blaney. Jeff Gordon, Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch will start sixth through 10th, respectively.
Johnson’s strong effort was notable because qualifying has been a weakness this season for the six-time Cup champion, who’s won a series-best four races in 2015. Entering Michigan, Johnson’s average starting position was a career-worst 15.4 through 14 races.
Inclement weather questioned whether Sprint Cup qualifying would take place when rain washed away the first session of Xfinity Series practice earlier Friday. Had tims trials been canceled, Blaney driving an entry fielded by Wood Brothers Racing would’ve missed the race. Instead, the team will start its 86th consecutive Michigan event Sunday.
“It was a good effort for us. We needed it,” Blaney said. “We’re excited about Sunday. I’m just happy we were able to qualify to be honest with you.”
Only one driver, Brendan Gaughan, failed to qualify.
Quicken Loans 400 starting lineup
