Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service

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Kyle Larson Edges Martin Truex Jr. for Michigan Pole

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR NASCAR Wire Service Track News
Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Cars 3/Target Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the pole award for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 16, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan Photo – Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Martin Truex Jr. thought he had the pole for Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400—until Kyle Larson made the last run in the final round of Friday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series knockout qualifying at Michigan International Speedway.

Driving the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet, Larson, who won the first Cup race of his career last August at MIS, covered the two-mile distance in 35.616 seconds (202.156 mph), edging Truex (202.117 mph) for the top starting spot by a scant 0.007 seconds. Continue reading →

A Banner Day for Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender Erik Jones

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR NASCAR Wire Service Track News
Erik Jones, driver of the #77 GameStop/Cars 3 – Driven to Win Toyota, leads Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11, 2017 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Photo – Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Erik Jones got a taste of the high life on Sunday at Pocono Raceway.

Running third in the closing laps of the Axalta presents the Pocono 400, Jones watched Ryan Blaney out-duel Kevin Harvick for the victory – and wanted to be up there with them.

Third was a career best for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, but Jones has his sights set on loftier goals. Continue reading →

Earnhardt Misses Another Shift and Bows Out Early

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR NASCAR Wire Service Track News
Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, speaks with the media after his engine expired during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11, 2017 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Photo – Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Dale Earnhardt Jr. started from the rear of the field in the Axalta presents the Pocono 400 because a missed shift in practice had forced him to change engines before qualifying.

After a restart on lap 57, Earnhardt repeated the mistake. Trying to nudge his shifter into fourth gear from third, he hit second gear instead, over-revving the engine. With his power plant out of commission, Earnhardt rolled slowly into the garage and retired from the race in 38th place. Continue reading →

High-Speed Brake Failure Gives Jimmie Johnson a Major Scare

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR NASCAR Wire Service Track News
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, speaks with reporters after an on-track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11, 2017 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Photo – Jared C Tilton/Getty Images

For Jimmie Johnson, Sunday’s lap 95 excursion into turn one at Pocono Raceway was the scariest moment the seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver had endured since nosing into a tire barrier in a NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Watkins Glen 17 years ago.

Johnson roared into the tight corner at more than 200 mph, but a sudden brake failure sent his No. 48 Chevrolet out of control and hurtling into the outside wall. Continue reading →