NASCAR Darlington 2016 qualifying results: Kevin Harvick awarded pole after qualifying cancelled

When NASCAR canceled qualifying on Saturday, Kevin Harvick’s season-long consistency put him on the pole for Sunday night’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Harvick holds the preferred starting spot on the tricky South Carolina track due to being ranked first in the standings, as NASCAR canceled qualifying and set the lineup based off owner points. He will share the front row with Brad Keselowski, with defending race winner Carl Edwards third and Kurt Busch fifth.

The decision to not qualify was due to Hurricane Hermine that impacted the Darlington area, necessitating officials cancel all of Friday’s on-track activity and rework Saturday’s schedule, which included time trials. Wanting to give teams ample opportunity to prepare for one of the sport’s major events, NASCAR changed qualifying to an 80-minute practice session instead.

Harvick will be seeking his second Southern 500 victory in three years, and third win of 2016. In addition to leading all drivers in points, the 2014 Sprint Cup champion is also tops in top-10 finishes and tied with Keselowski and Kyle Busch for the most top fives.

The green flag waves on the Southern 500 at 6:15 p.m. ET, with NBC broadcasting the race.

SOUTHERN 500 LINEUP