Ryan Blaney has won pole position for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas.
Blaney’s lap of 2 minutes, 12.343 seconds around the 3.41-mile road course was fastest among the 10 drivers that made the final round of Saturday’s qualifying.
The pole comes after Blaney spun in the morning practice session at Turn 10. Despite going through the gravel trap and into the tire barrier, Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford escaped serious damage in the incident.
“I wouldn’t have thought that we’d sit on the pole after I hit the fence,” Blaney told Fox Sports after earning his second pole of the season (Phoenix). “I appreciate the fast car, number one, and I appreciate the soft wall that was over there and these resilient race cars.
“…. I wouldn’t say I’m the best road course racer. I kind of struggle and always look to find speed. It was cool that we had it today in qualifying, so hopefully, that carries over to tomorrow. … It’s a pretty good surprise after practice, so, good job to everybody.”
