Associated Press
CONCORD ó Kyle Buschís success in nearly every level of NASCAR hasnít included the All-Star race.
A nearly flawless qualifying performance Friday night puts him in good position of collecting that $1 million payday for the first time.
Busch, who was fastest in practice earlier in the day, completed the unique three-lap qualifying that included a mandatory four-tire pit stop in 1 minute, 59.19 seconds to earn the pole for Saturdayís race.
Now can he finally break through in NASCARís richest event?
ěThis race, everybody says it suits Kyle Busch,î he said. ěWe all know why: We can go fast … and you either bring back the steering wheel or the check. Unfortunately, Iíve been very successful in bringing back the steering wheel.î
Busch has won 96 races in NASCARís top three divisions, but has had little success in the non-points All-Star event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Heís failed to finish in four of his five starts with one top-10 finish.
But the No. 18 Toyota was the fastest all day Friday. Add a friendly qualifying draw in which he went last as the track cooled and Busch knocked Clint Bowyer (1:59.67) to the outside of the front row for the 100-lap shootout.
ěThat Kyle Busch is a pain in everybodyís butt, isnít he?î Bowyer said, smiling. ěHeís pretty good.î
Greg Biffle qualified third, followed by Carl Edwards and Mark Martin.
ěThatís a fun, fun qualifying effort,î Bowyer said. ěItís nerve-racking on everybodyís part.î
After being the fastest on the track, Busch had to lock his brakes to get under the speed limit entering pit road. His crew then changed four tires without getting any time penalties for his second pole in this event.
It was a bit of vindication from the crew, which was the top seed for Thursdayís Pit Crew Challenge before being knocked out in the second round.
ěItís a huge morale booster for the team. They know theyíre No. 1,î Busch said of his crew. ěI know theyíre No. 1.î
Tony Stewart, who was celebrating his 40th birthday, qualified sixth, followed by Kasey Kahne, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
Denny Hamlin, will start 15th.