Truex wins pole after bolts from confiscated at Talladega
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) Martin Truex Jr. overcame an issue in inspection to win the pole for the playoff elimination race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Truex turned a lap of 193.423 mph Saturday to earn the top starting spot Sunday. Winner of two races in the first round of the Chase, Truex is winless in round two but above the cutoff point. Four drivers will be cut from the field on Sunday.
Prior to qualifying, NASCAR confiscated bolts from Truex's Toyota and series officials were unsure what, if any, penalty the Furniture Row Racing team will face. Penalties are typically issued in the middle of the week, and a point deduction could in theory knock Truex out of the Chase.
However, NASCAR vice president of competition Scott Miller said a points penalty is unlikely. Miller said Truex had no competitive advantage, but the bolts taken could have been considered a safety issue.
