Kyle Busch scores Coors Light Pole for Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire

Kyle Busch waited till the final four minutes of the final round of Sprint Cup Series qualifying, but when he made his lap, it’d count as Busch would win the Coors Light Pole Award for the 22nd Annual Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Busch’s lap of 27.574 seconds, 138.130 mph would set a new track record, breaking the record previously set by Ryan Newman last year in September 2013.

“I gave it everything I had,” Busch commented. “I thought I was a little too tight, but I guess I drove through it enough that it was quick enough. I was thinking that it’d be a solid top-four so proud of these guys today. We didn’t unload quick but we made some good adjustments all day so hopefully we can continue to work on it tomorrow.”

For Busch, it marks his 15th career pole and second so far this year in 2014. Rowdy finished second in both races last year as he searches for victory lane this weekend in crew chief Dave Rogers’ home state.

Jimmie Johnson would qualify second for his 10th top-10 start of the 2014 season, while Hamlin qualified third, also marking his 10th top-10 start of 2014.

“It’s so tough to get a good lap around here,” Johnson said. “The first outing, put a good lap and our fastest of the day – but knew we had to get to faster. Surprised that we were even able to go two more tenths faster so that way we could start better. it makes our reason easier as we start up front, get good pit selection and should be able to run strong.”

Tony Stewart and Jamie McMurray would round out the top five, followed by Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr. and Kasey Kahne. Logano’s effort would come in a back-up following a crash in practice.

Jeff Gordon qualified 11th, followed by Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth.

“A little bit disappointed,” Larson admitted. “I guess I wish we would’ve ran two laps the first time out as it seemed our first lap was the quickest so I shut it down. Overall, a successful day for us so looking forward to the race on Sunday.”

“We didn’t make more grip there in one and two,” Edwards said. “The guys have been working really hard and maybe I should’ve ran a third lap there. I always say that we don’t quit but yet I quit there so something to think about. This place is tricky as it’s about applying the throttle and brake correctly.”

Edwards and team are looking for the win at New Hampshire as the race falls right in the backyard of the Fenway ownership group.

“We struggle with a lot of things here so we want to win here and we’ve had some good shots, but I don’t think it has anything to do with Roush in general,” Edwards added. “We just need to find what it needs in the center of the corner.”

Notably, NASCAR’s most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. qualified 28th.

About the Author

Ashley McCubbin

Joining OnPitRoad.com mid-2013 season, Ashley McCubbin is now the Managing Editor and contributes to each racing division as needed. Since studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ashley has published articles on a couple of different websites, while serving as a public relations representative for different short track teams. Born in North York, Ontario, Ashley currently lives in Bradford, Ontario and spends her weekend at the local short tracks in the area. She has spent her entire life at the short track level, falling in love with the sport at the age of five. Beyond her love of short track racing, she also has grown an interest for both NASCAR and the IndyCar Racing Series. She also enjoys taking photos and working on websites, while playing a couple rounds of Candy Crush afterwards.

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