Edwards wins pole for tonight’s race

Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va.

Carl Edwards will start from the pole position in the final race of NASCAR’s “regular season” tonight at Richmond International Raceway.

The Roush-Fenway Racing driver turned a fast lap at 127.762 mph in qualifying Friday night. He edged Juan Pablo Montoya, whose lap came at 127.455 mph.

The pole is the sixth of Edwards’ career and his second this season, and it puts him in prime position to go for broke in one of the few stress-free races of the season.

“There’s really no pressure,” said Edwards, winless since the 2008 season finale. “It’s just go out and have fun and try not to run into Clint Bowyer or one of those guys that’s got a lot on the line.”

A.J. Allmendinger earned the No. 3 starting spot, followed by Bowyer and David Reutimann for the final race before NASCAR begins its 10-race Chase for the championship.

The starting spot is especially important for Bowyer, who holds down the No. 12 spot in the standings and needs only to finish 28th or better to secure a spot in the Chase.

Nationwide

Kevin Harvick passed Brad Keselowski for the lead with just over 50 laps to go Friday night and won the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond.

Harvick earned his third victory of the season and the 37th of his career in the series. Trevor Bayne was third, followed by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Reed Sorenson.