AVONDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Busch earned the pole and Jimmie Johnson escaped serious injury after a scary crash in Sprint Cup qualifying Friday.
Johnson was on his second lap in the final round at Phoenix International Raceway when he had an issue on the left side of his car and rammed into the second-turn wall at full speed. The right front of the No. 48 car took the most damage and Johnson was able to climb out after the car slid onto the grass.
The six-time Cup champion was treated and released from the infield care center.
Busch won his 18th career pole, his first since Pocono in August, with a lap at 138.387 mph.
Carl Edwards qualified second and Denny Hamlin third, giving Toyota the top three spots for the race Sunday.
Kurt Busch was fourth, and Johnson fifth.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.