All Star Pit Note 4: Bowyer Snags the Pole for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race

Clint Bowyer sneaked into the pole for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race

CONCORD, N.C. – Clint Bowyer will have the best view when Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race goes green at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bowyer’s No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford edged Kyle Busch’s Toyota by completing three laps and a pit stop in one minute, 58.794 seconds, averaging 136.371 miles per hour in securing his first All-Star Race pole on Friday. Bowyer, making his 10th attempt at claiming the $1 million winner’s prize on Saturday, said the pole was a credit to his team.

"Tonight was all about going fast and getting the most out of three laps," Bowyer said. "I do love the aspect of adding that pit crew (to the equation). It gives them a time to shine. My pit crew does a jam-up job all season long, and they were a big part of that (pole win).

"That is a victory. That's not just a qualifying lap, that's a total team effort. Everybody's got to do their job. You've got to have a fast car, and we checked that box off. You've got to do a great job coming on pit road and getting into the box, and we checked that box. Those guys laid down a good pit stop, and we checked that box. We rolled over here and checked another one off with a trophy. There's only one more, and that's to take a million bucks and go to the house and have a good time with it."

Defending race winner Kevin Harvick qualified third with Austin Dillon fourth, Martin Truex Jr. fifth and Ryan Newman sixth.

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Starting Line Up, 35th Annual Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race 
Pos, Driver, Car, Time, Speed
1) Clint Bowyer, No. 14 Toco Warranty Ford, 118.794 sec, 136.371 mph
2) Kyle Busch, No. 18 M&M's Hazelnut Toyota, 118.971, 136.168
3) Kevin Harvick, No. 4 Busch Beer Millenial Car Ford, 119.058, 136.068
4) Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Chevrolet, 119.314, 135.776
5) Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER ATVs /USO Toyota, 120.334, 134.625
6) Ryan Newman, No. 6 Acorns Ford, 120.383, 134.570
7) Erik Jones, No. 20 Craftsman Toyota, 120.405, 134.546
8) Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, 120.660, 134.262
9) Ryan Blaney, No. 12 BodyArmor Ford, 120.892, 134.004
10) Joey Logano, No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, 121.584, 133.241
11) Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Brakes Chevrolet, 121.978, 132.811
12) Denny Hamlin, No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota, 122.125, 132.651
13) Aric Almirola, No. 10 Smithfield Ford, 123.814, 130.841
14) Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Discount Tire Ford, 124.059, 130.583
15) Kurt Busch, No. 1 GEARWRENCH/Monster Chevrolet, 128.176, 126.389