NASCAR Dover 2016 qualifying results: Kevin Harvick on pole thanks to Mother Nature

Kevin Harvick was awarded the pole position after persistent rain washed away Sprint Cup qualifying Friday at Dover International Speedway.

Harvick will start first for Sunday’s AAA 400 Drive for Autism due to posting the fastest lap (165.145 mph) in the lone practice session Friday. Dale Earnhardt Jr. starts second, with Kyle Busch third, Carl Edwards fourth and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fifth.

With an ominous forecast, teams approached Friday practice knowing there was a high probability of qualifying being canceled and that NASCAR would need to determine the starting lineup based off practice speeds. Harvick’s crew chief, Rodney Childers, purposely set up Harvick’s Chevrolet with the intent to lay down a single fast lap.

“We just decided to come in qualifying trim,” Harvick said. “Rodney and those guys made that decision pretty early, I would say about mid-week to practice that way.

“The car was really fast when we unloaded for practice. Having that first pit stall definitely helps here.”

Ten-time Dover winner Jimmie Johnson uncharacteristically struggled in practice, recording just the 21st-fastest lap.

All 40 drivers entered will start Sunday’s race.

AAA 400 Drive for Autism starting lineup