Logano wins pole at Pocono as Toyotas dominate

Joey Logano who has been a backmarker may be out of a ride next year and needed a little help

A ray of sunlight, a warming race track and a little help from NASCAR's Graces of God all helped Joey Logano (who needs help with rumors he may be out of a ride next year) claim the pole for Sunday's Good Sam RV Insurance 500 at Pocono Raceway.

After posting a lap at 172.055 mph (52.309 seconds) during Saturday morning's time trials, Logano had to wait for 20 fellow Sprint Cup drivers to make their qualifying runs before he could claim the top spot for Sunday's race at the 2.5-mile triangular track.

The Coors Light Pole Award was Logano's second this year. He has three Cup poles overall.

Logano became the youngest pole-sitter at Pocono Raceway as Toyota-powered cars dominated qualifying for Sunday's Sprint Cup series race.

The 21-year-old set a fastest lap of 52.309s, at an average speed of 172.055mph, bumping Michael Waltrip Racing's Martin Truex from provisional pole.

A patch of sunlight, which broke through the clouds after Logano made his attempt, may have warmed the track enough to prevent those who followed him from beating his time.

Kasey Kahne came closest, running his lap at 171.648 mph to earn the outside spot on the front row. Martin Truex Jr. (171.494 mph), who preceded Logano in the qualifying order, will start third, followed by Cup points leader Carl Edwards (171.474 mph) and Kurt Busch (171.468 mph).

And, in fairness, Logano didn't show his hand in Friday's practice, when the qualifying order is set — slowest to fastest — according to practice speeds.

Results

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie