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Fast Biffle claims pole
Qualifying results | Lineup
On a fast new surface, 41 of 44 drivers broke the qualifying record at Darlington Raceway.
But it was Greg Biffle who set the pace, turning a blistering lap of 179.442 mph Friday night to win the pole at Darlington. He shattered the previous record of 173.797 mph set by Ward Burton in 1996.
"Everybody has talked about how the track is really fast, but it's the same old Darlington," Biffle said. "It will bite you as soon as you let your guard down, especially with the speeds now. You can get in trouble in a hurry, and I've been close to getting that (Darlington) stripe."
Biffle's lap in a Ford beat Hendrick Motorsports teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, who qualified second and third for Saturday night's race in their Chevrolets. Earnhardt ran a lap at 179.357, while Johnson clocked in at 179.206.
It marked a comeback for the two-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion, who crashed two cars during Friday's practice sessions. He wrecked his primary on the third lap of the first practice, then had to replace the splitter on his backup when he wrecked in the second practice.
"I'm just glad I didn't hit anything on that last run," Johnson joked. "I'm very proud of my guys. I worked them real hard on two cars, and almost needed a third."
Track officials repaved the surface over the winter, spending $7 million to smooth out the surface while maintaining the integrity of the quirky, egg-shaped, 1.366-mile superspeedway. Although the new asphalt smoothed out the trademark bumps that drove drivers nuts and gave all of them their fair share of "Darlington Stripes," it created tremendous grip that's made the cars reach eye-popping speeds.
Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman all hit speeds faster than 200 mph along the backstretch during a March tire test, forcing Goodyear to bring a very hard compound that it believes will withstand the speeds.
Complete story
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JGR tops Happy Hour
Practice Speeds: First | Second | Third | Final
Joe Gibbs Racing flexed their muscles in the final practice session for Saturday night's Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch jumped to the top of the charts.
With a best lap of 179.651 mph, the fastest of the weekend so far, Hamlin edged out his teammate. For his best lap, Kyle Busch ran a top lap of 179.174 mph.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top five speeds in the session.
The practice was marred by several incidents, including one late in the session which saw Paul Menard and Robby Gordon incur heavy damage in seperate accidents. Also, Jimmie Johnson ripped the splitter off the back of his backup car in the practice.
Check back beginning at 5:15 p.m. ET for live coverage of qualifying for Saturday's 500-mil event.
Practice 3 recap: Mears shows his speed
Casey Mears opened as Friday's fastest driver during the third Sprint Cup practice session of the weekend, running a fast lap of 177.685 mph.
Martin Truex Jr., Robby Gordon, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top five.
Not all was good for Johnson, as he wrecked during the session and switched to a backup car.
Check back for coverage of final practice beginning at 2 p.m. ET.
Practice 2 recap: Allmendinger finds his wings
AJ Allmendinger made noise late Thursday afternoon at Darlington Raceway, jumping to the top of the charts during the second Sprint Cup practice session for Saturday night's Dodge Challenger 500.
The Team Red Bull driver jumped to the top of the charts at the newly repaved 1.366-mile venue, setting a blistering lap of 178.679 mph, a mark that would best the qualifying record of 173.797 mph.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. climbed to second quick in the session with his best of 178.640 mph.
Dave Blaney, Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle completed the top five in the session.
A total of 31 drivers eclipsed the Ward Burton's 1996 qualifying record.
Practice 1 recap: Shrub starts fast
Kyle Busch was the center of attention since Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Richmond, and he doesn't appear ready to let somebody else take his spot.
With a fast lap of 175.522 mph, the driver of the No. 18 Toyota Camry established the fastest lap of the first of four practice sessions this weekend at Darlington Raceway.
NASCAR established two extra sessions for teams on Thursday so they could adapt to the new racing surface at Darlington this weekend.
Busch's Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin, was second fastest with a lap of 174.885 mph, while Dale Earnhardt Jr., Travis Kvapil and Tony Stewart rounded out the top five in the 60-minute session.
Ryan Newman was the fastest Dodge driver in the session, 12th best overall, while Sam Hornish Jr. claimed top rookie honors.
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Lee Spencer
What's next?
Kyle Busch as the next Intimidator? Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sights are set on more than just a single rivalry this season.
Jeff Hammond
Need for speed
There may not be a faster track than Darlington, but taking the checkered flag there will require some attitude.
Larry McReynolds
Extra credit
Plenty of testing helped Jimmie Johnson turn it around. With extra tests ahead, it's time to cram.
Steve Byrnes
Keep an eye on Harvick at Richmond
Lots of drivers will get picked to win Richmond, but Steve Byrnes says you'd better not overlook Kevin Harvick, who won here in '06.
Mike Joy
Ticking away
NASCAR on FOX unveiled its new "Ticker" at Richmond, one which will help viewers stay on top of the race.
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FedEx Preview: Darlington
FOXSports.com brings you qualifying highlights, experts predictions and fantasy advice from this weekend's Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington.
| SAT 5/10 |
7:30 p.m. ET |
On FOX |
| OWNER POINT STANDINGS |
| Pos |
+/- |
Driver |
Car |
Points |
| 31 |
+42 |
Michael McDowell |
Toyota |
799 |
| 32 |
+10 |
David Reutimann |
Toyota |
767 |
| 33 |
+3 |
Michael Waltrip |
Toyota |
760 |
| 34 |
+2 |
Regan Smith |
Chevrolet |
759 |
| 35 |
-- |
Sam Hornish Jr. |
Dodge |
757 |
| 36 |
-71 |
Dave Blaney |
Toyota |
686 |
| 37 |
-109 |
Johnny Sauter |
Chevrolet |
648 |
| 38 |
-117 |
J.J. Yeley |
Toyota |
640 |
| 39 |
-128 |
Ken Schrader |
Dodge |
629 |
| 40 |
-185 |
AJ Allmendinger |
Toyota |
572 |
| Complete Owner Standings |
| Track Information |
| On Track With Larry Mac |
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Larry McReynolds, NASCAR on FOX analyst, scouts the track
Read his full analysis. |
| Track Vitals |
Location:
Darlington, SC |
Distance/Track Type:
1.366 Mile Oval 23-25 degree bank |
Nextel Cup Top Race Speed:
139.958 by Dale Earnhardt on 3/28/1993 |
Nextel Cup Top Qualifying Speed:
173.797 by Ward Burton on 3/23/1996 |
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87 °F
