Kenseth Takes Darlington Pole With Record Lap

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) - Matt Kenseth set a Darlington Raceway record in winning his first pole in four years Friday, while three-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will start near the back for the Southern 500 after a qualifying crash.

Kenseth had a lap at 179.514 mph on the 60-year-old track to take the top spot for Saturday’s Southern 500. He surpassed the mark 179.442 mph set last year by Greg Biffle, the first race after Darlington’s repavement.

Johnson, a two-time Darlington winner, had the back end of his car slide into the turn two wall on his first qualifying lap. Then Johnson’s front side hit an infield wall and brought the car to a stop.

Johnson was evaluated at the infield care center and released a short time later.