By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Saturday at Pocono Raceway saw a new look at qualifying for the Xfinity and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
It wasn’t group qualifying and it wasn’t straight single-car… it was “batch” qualifying, as dubbed by FOX announcer Mike Joy.
With three cars on track at a time, 15-second gaps kept the cars from drafting on track. Not only was it quicker to complete, but it went without issue.
The session was met with gratitude by Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, who praised the change.
“This is way better,” Harvick said. “When you look at all the controversy and unnessesary headlines, this is definitely a way better route as far as clarity and things that come from when qualifying is done, what is going to happen.
“Definitely a way better route in the way we’re doing it today.”
Qualifying 11th, Harvick had a mistake in Turn 1 impact the remainder of the lap. In a single-lap session, that’s where the No. 4 stood.
“I missed Turn 1 and that set the tone for the lap,” he said. “I tried to carry too much speed and got the car up the track. The rest of the lap was good.”
Through 36 starts at Pocono, Harvick is yet to score a win, finishing