NASCAR Darlington 2017 qualifying results: Kevin Harvick wins Southern 500 pole

Kevin Harvick led the first two sessions during qualifying Saturday at Darlington Raceway, then backed it up in the decisive third round to win the pole for the Southern 500 on Sunday night.

Harvick’s third-round lap of 177.730 mph edged second-place and defending race-winner Martin Truex Jr. to secure his fourth pole of the 2017 Monster Energy Cup Series season. It marks the fifth consecutive time he’s qualified in the top-five at the venerable South Carolina track, NASCAR’s oldest superspeedway.

“It feels pretty good,” Harvick said. “It’s been a good start to the weekend for us and the car is driving good and we were able to put three laps together. Everything is going well.”

By winning the pole Harvick gets the first choice of pit stalls, a considerable advantage on a narrow track where passing can sometimes be difficult. The benefit wasn’t lost on the Stewart-Haas Racing driver, who won the Southern 500 from the pole in 2014. Eleven of the past 15 Darlington races have been won by a driver starting 10th or better.

“The biggest advantage here is the first pit stall because the timing line is so close to the pit exit there with the first stall,” Harvick said. “If your car is handling good, you can make your way through traffic. But having that first pit stall if your car is not handling good allows you to make up two or three spots if you have a decent pit stop, and hopefully keep that track position all night.”

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch qualified third, followed by Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Kyle Larson (176.568 mph) and Jamie McMurray (174.622 mph). Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and rookie Erik Jones completed the top 10.

All 40 drivers entered qualified for Sunday’s Southern 500.