Paul Menard Wins Pole For Sprint Showdown

Paul Menard beat out Greg Biffle to take the pole position for tonight's 40-lap Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Menard turned in a lap of 28.470 seconds (189.673 mph) in the second round of qualifying to move ahead of Biffle and claim his first career pole in the all-star event.

Biffle, who led the opening round of qualifying, will start on the outside front row with a lap of 28.472 (189.660 mph). David Ragan, Clint Bowyer and Austin Dillon rounded out the top five.

The winner of each of the two 20-lap segments of tonight's race will advance to Saturday night's Sprint All Star Race, along with the winner of the Sprint Fan Vote, to complete the 20-car field.
Pete McCole reporting from Charlotte Motor Speedway