Kurt Busch captures pole for Las Vegas Shelby race

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kurt Busch visited Victory Lane last year at his home track.

He was there to congratulate his little brother, Kyle, who became the first Busch brother to win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

He wants his own party this year.

Kurt Busch shattered his brother’s track record Friday with a pole-winning role at Las Vegas, the track he and Kyle Busch consider to be among the most important on the series.

The Las Vegas natives watched construction of the track, hopeful to one day get a chance to race there — and maybe even win.

“I’m pretty stoked,” Kurt Busch said. “It’s something you can’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched, but this would be a special win. It’s hard to play what-if.”

Busch grew emotional in his pole-winners press conference, having to stop to compose himself and wipe away tears when he recognized one of his father’s former racing rivals, who was at the track in a media role.

“I just love Vegas,” he said. “It’s the people that make it special to me. It’s just fun seeing everybody.”

Busch turned a lap of 188.719 mph to claim the top starting spot for Sunday’s race.

Jeff Gordon was second with a lap at 188.646.

Ryan Newman qualified third and was followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch.

Kyle Busch held the previous track record of 185.995 mph. In all, 18 drivers bettered that speed.

Busch, who is winless in nine previous starts at Las Vegas, credited new crew chief Steve Addington for his strong qualifying run.

Addington was Kyle Busch’s crew chief for Kyle’s win here last year. He was fired in October from Joe Gibbs Racing, and Kurt Busch hired him in December for his team.

“Steve Addington definitely has his game on for this place,” Kurt Busch said.