Keselowski wins Phoenix pole in first NASCAR 'knockout' qualifying format

Brad Keselowski win qualifying shootout at Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Brad Keselowski won the first Sprint Cup group qualifying session, turning the fastest lap in the 12-driver final session Friday afternoon at Phoenix International Raceway.

Keselowski will be joined on the front row Sunday for The Profit 500 by his Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano.

“Qualifying has been one of those formats I have struggled with — it just hasn’t really suited my style in the past,” Keselowski said. “This qualifying format really does suit my style a lot better.

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“It gives me a chance to learn and apply, which to me was instrumental in our success today.”

It was the first time Cup drivers participated in the new format, which at short tracks such as the 1-mile PIR consists of a 30-minute session where all cars on the track that determines spots 13 to 43. The 12 drivers who posted the fastest one-lap speeds advanced to a final 10-minute session to determine spots 1 to 12.

“It’s a lot more nerve-wracking (than single-car qualifying),” Keselowski said. “There’s usually a pretty good rule of thumb that if it’s a lot more nerve-wracking for drivers, it’s a lot more fun for our fans and partners.”

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