NASCAR Richmond 2014 qualifying results: Rain puts Kyle Larson on pole for first time

Kyle Larson can credit Mother Nature for a helping hand in securing him the pole position for Saturday’s Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, NASCAR canceled Sprint Cup qualifying around 4 p.m. ET Friday. The field was set primarily by speeds from the first round of practice. And since Larson posted the fastest speed (126.880 mph) in the two-hour session, the rookie was awarded the No. 1 starting position.

“I wasn’t too excited coming here this weekend,” Larson said. “I thought in Cup practice we were a top-five car. I’m definitely excited and I think getting the pole, even though it’s in practice, helps the confidence more. I’m looking forward to it tomorrow.”

Brad Keselowski will start alongside Larson on the front row. Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Brian Vickers, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Truex, Paul Menard and Jimmie Johnson complete the remainder of the top 10.

Because qualifying was canceled and the field was set per the NASCAR rule book, Larson will not receive credit for winning his first pole nor gain entry into the Sprint Unlimited.

“Yeah, it would be nice to get a legit pole,” Larson said.“I don’t know if we would have gotten it had it not rained.”

Michael McDowell and Dave Blaney failed to make Saturday’s race.

The forecast for Friday at Richmond calls for thunderstorms into the early evening, which could jeopardize the Nationwide Series Toyota Care 250, according to meteorologist Brian Neudorff (@NASCAR_WXMAN). Neudorff projects no rain and temperatures in the low 70s for Saturday’s Sprint Cup race.

Toyota Owners 400 starting lineup