Carl Edwards claims Nationwide Series pole at Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas — Carl Edwards continued his recent surge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Friday, winning the pole for Saturday’s O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway with a lap of 188.101 mph.
Edwards, fresh off a win last weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park that cut his deficit on series leader Clint Bowyer to 116 points, notched his fourth Nationwide pole of the season but first since Michigan in August and first at Texas.
Joining Edwards on Row 1 will be Kevin Harvick Inc.’s Kevin Harvick, who turned a speed of 186.587 to beat out Team Rensi Motorsports’ Bobby Hamilton Jr. at 185.925.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch and Rusty Wallace Racing’s David Stremme completed the top five. Mark Martin, driving the No. 5 JR Motorsports entry this weekend, qualified sixth, with Richard Childress Racing’s Stephen Leicht, JGR’s Joey Logano, Braun Racing’s Jason Leffler and Braun’s Brian Vickers completing the top 10.
Bowyer will start 21st in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
Seven drivers – Faith Motorsports’ Morgan Shepherd, Day Enterprises Racing’s Burney Lamar, RAB Racing’s John Wes Townley, Stanton Barrett Motorsports' Kenny Hendrick, MSRP Motorsports’ Justin Hobgood, Derrike Cope Racing’s Johnny Sauter and Mike Harmon Racing’s Mike Harmon – failed to qualify on speed and will miss the race.
