AVONDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Larson received the pole Saturday for the NASCAR Cup Sequence’ United Leases Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.

Larson’s 130.237 mph lap in his No. 5 Chevrolet was one other constructive for Hendrick Motorsports, which completed 1-2-3 in Las Vegas final weekend, led by race winner William Byron.

Larson received the Cup championship in Phoenix in 2021. Byron certified third for Sunday’s race in his No. 24 Chevrolet.

Larson had the ultimate automobile to hit the monitor within the final spherical of qualifying on Saturday and edged Denny Hamlin, who will begin on the skin of Row 1 in his No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Larson additionally had the quickest automobile in follow Friday.

Brad Keselowski will begin fourth whereas Christopher Bell rounded out the highest 5.

“Qualifying is basically vital right here,” Larson stated. “We obtained the pole in ’21 and that actually helped us win the championship race. I believe that No. 1 pit stall means rather a lot, so glad to be fast this weekend, fast in follow and have it translate to qualifying.”

It hasn’t all been excellent news for Hendrick’s staff this week. NASCAR officers took the hood louvers from the 4 Hendrick automobiles — together with Larson’s and Byron’s — on Friday and can convey them to the Analysis & Improvement Heart in North Carolina for inspection.

Any potential penalties could be introduced subsequent week.

Kevin Harvick, who’s making an attempt to win his tenth profession race in Phoenix, certified fifteenth.