News

AVONDALE, Ariz. (February 28, 2014) – Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford team made history today at Phoenix International Raceway breaking the track record while earning the first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole contested under the new elimination format.

Today’s qualifying consisted of two sessions the first session, which lasted 30 minutes, saw Team Penske driver Joey Logano set the fastest lap with Keselowski scored second. The two Ford Fusion drivers each turned two laps at the beginning of the session and then returned to pit-lane as the rest of the field continued to run.

The second session lasted just 10 minutes featured the fastest 12 drivers from the first session. When the second session ended the order was reversed with Keselowski scored first and Logano second.

The effort represents Keselowski’s fourth career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole on the strength of a track record breaking 139.384 mile an hour lap.

“We had a really fast car, and there is some pride to be taken in being the first one to win a Sprint Cup pole in this format,” said Keselowski. “I am sure it will undergo a few adjustments along the way, but it is very rewarding and a testament to my team and how fast of a car they gave me. Then it was just a matter of executing on my end. We were able to do that. I didn't think I ran a good enough lap to be quite honest. When they told me the time, I said, ‘Alright, I will take it.’”

The Profit On CNBC 500 will be broadcast Sunday, March 2 at 3:00pm ET on Fox TV, MRN and SiriusXM Radio.