AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Veteran Mark Martin will start on the pole at Phoenix International Raceway.
Regan Smith was in line for his first career pole, but Martin passed him late in Saturday’s qualifying session with a top speed of 136.81 mph for his 52nd career pole.
Defending Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart also beat Smith’s time with the last qualifying run of the day and will start on the front row in Sunday’s 312-mile race.
Five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, coming off a rough run at the Daytona 500, will start fourth, next to Smith on the second row.
Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth was 26th in qualifying.
