Record run gets pole for Busch

Saturday, November 10, 2012

— Kyle Busch set a track record in winning the pole at Phoenix International Raceway, where Brad Keselowski got a jump on Jimmie Johnson in their tight championship race.

Busch ran a lap of 138.766 mph in Friday’s qualifying session to win the pole in his Toyota. It broke the track record of 137.279 set by Carl Edwards in 2011.

Martin Truex Jr. qualified second and Denny Hamlin was third to give Toyota the top three starting spots for Sunday’s race.

But all eyes are on title contenders Johnson and Keselowski, who are separated by seven points in the standings with two races remaining heading into one of Johnson’s best tracks.

Keselowski had the better qualifying effort. He’ll start 14th Sunday, Johnson 24th.

Kasey Kahne qualified fourth and was followed by Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch and Paul Menard.

Regan Smith was eighth, Tony Stewart was ninth and Mark Martin (Batesville) rounded out the top 10.

TRUCKS

Scott wins late

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Brian Scott used a pass on a restart with two laps left to win a wreck-filled NASCAR truck series race Friday night that tightened up the season championship.

Sports, Pages 25 on 11/10/2012