By Matt Courson, Staff Writer
AVONDALE, Ariz. — Martin Truex Jr. won the Pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway in what will be his final full-time NASCAR start.
“It’s very cool,” Truex said. “Honestly, you always want to be known as the guy that can go fast in any track, in any situation. Pressure is always pretty high for qualifying. You have to go out there and nail that perfect lap.
“You only get one shot at it these days. It is fun to go out there and beat everyone in anything. It feels good. It’s very cool, but the big prize is tomorrow. Hopefully, we can get that one.”
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver turned a 26.718 lap enroute to his 25th career Pole award. Joey Logano was fastest among the Championship 4 drivers and will start second. Ross Chastain, the 2023 race winner at Phoenix, will start third. Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott will start fifth.
As far as the other Championship 4 drivers, William Byron will start 8th. Tyler Reddick qualified in the 10th position and defending champion Ryan Blaney in 12th.
The NASCAR Championship Race from Phoenix will be televised live on NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET Sunday.