AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) Jimmie Johnson has won the pole at Phoenix International Raceway to continue to play spoiler to the championship contenders.
Johnson was eliminated from the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in the first round. But he won last week at Texas to deny Brad Keselowski a spot next week in the title-deciding finale, and his pole-winning run Friday stopped Kurt Busch from earning the top starting spot for the final elimination race.
Johnson turned a lap at 143.158 mph to earn the pole for Sunday’s race.
Busch was second and the highest-qualifying driver still eligible for the championship.
There are seven drivers vying for the three remaining spots next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Jeff Gordon is the only driver locked into the final four.
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