Allmendinger gets first NASCAR pole

Associated Press

AVONDALE, ARIZ.

A.J. Allmendinger finally has his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole. Making it even sweeter, he beat his old team to get the top spot at Phoenix International Raceway.

With a lap of 134.675 mph Friday in the Richard Petty-owned No. 43 Ford, Allmendinger took the pole away from Scott Speed, the driver who essentially replaced him at Red Bull Racing.

“I didn’t even realize there was a Red Bull car on pole,” Allmendinger said, before quickly telling the truth. “It wasn’t really a surprise to see them up there, but anybody’s that’s been let go, you know what it’s like to go out and beat your old team.

“To get our first pole is exciting. It’s a small victory, but it means so much to this team, especially to me,” said Allmendinger, who is starting his 87th Cup race. “It’s a big deal for the season. It’s been difficult, but I know we’re getting better each weekend.”

Speed ran a lap of 134.373 mph in his Toyota, and Sam Hornish qualified third in the No. 77 Dodge. Marcus Ambrose was fourth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. had the highest-qualifying Chevrolet in the fifth spot.

Denny Hamlin will start 26th in his first race since surgery March 31 to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He will start the race, but Casey Mears is standing by to take over if needed during the 375-lap race on the oddly shaped mile track.