Qualifying: The Hartford native turned in a strong performance Friday at the half-mile Bristol Motor

Qualifying: The Hartford native turned in a strong performance Friday at the half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway, finishing with the eighth-fastest speed of 124.508 miles. Blaney will start on the outside of the fourth row, alongside Reed Sorenseon.

Season: This is easily Blaney’s best qualifying start of the season and comes at a track where he’s had some success. This is the sixth time in 22 events at Bristol that he’s starting in the top 10. The last time was in August 2007 (fifth) and he finished 31st. His best finish here was a 14th in August 2006. Last year Blaney finished 34th in the spring race and 38th in the August event.

Staff report