NASCAR Texas 2016 qualifying results: Carl Edwards speeds to first pole of the season

As Carl Edwards pursues a fourth Texas Motor Speedway victory Saturday night, he will do so from the most advantageous starting spot having won the pole during qualifying Friday for the Duck Commander 500.

Edwards’ fastest lap of 194.609 mph edged Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr., both of whom posted a speed of 193.306 mph. The tiebreaker (owners points) means Logano will start alongside Edwards, with Truex third. Rookie Chase Elliott and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. complete the top five qualifiers.

The pole is Edwards’ first of the season and 17th of his career. Off to a strong start with five top-10 finishes in six races and ranked fourth in points, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver is seeking his first victory of the season on a track where he won the fall event in 2005 and swept both races in 2008.

“My confidence level is pretty decent, but now it’s really up there,” Edwards said. “To have a fast race car is huge. I like this place.”

Denny Hamlin qualified sixth, with Ryan Blaney seventh, Brad Keselowski eighth, Matt Kenseth ninth and Austin Dillon 10th. In 11th is Jimmie Johnson, the winner of three consecutive Texas races.

Texas is the first night race of 2016, but the third 1.5-mile oval to host a race this season. Both previous events, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, featured an increase in side-by-side racing and an emphasis on tire management due to the new low downforce aerodynamic rules package and a softer tire compound. Drivers are expecting similar conditions Saturday.

“I think Goodyear has done a really good job, I applaud NASCAR for taking downforce away,” Edwards said. “We haven’t raced yet, but it’s going to be a lot of fun to drive these cars here.”

Duck Commander 500 starting lineup