Rain cancels Cup qualifying; Mears on the IRWIN Tools Night Race pole

Rain delayed and then cancelled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying on Friday and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Saturday night’s lineup was set by the first practice session that was held on Friday. Casey Mears had the quickest lap of 122.209 MPH and will be the polesitter for the IRWIN Tools Night Race.

“It’s exciting. I think for our team, Germain Racing, it’s been a long couple of years. It’s been good, but the team has really grown in strides and we’ve made a lot of big improvements this year. We still have a lot to learn and still have a lot to grow, but it’s a big shot in the arm for our team for sure.” Mears said.

Brad Keselowski starts second.

“You know Bristol is always about track position but I have had cars here in the past where you could pass and get your way up to the front. I’m not going to complain either way. I’m just happy to have a fast race car and I think the Miller Lite Dodge is another fast race car coming to Bristol.” Keselowski said.

Series points leader Greg Biffle third, Joey Logano fourth and Aric Almirola starts fifth.

“Certainly I think the rainout could help us because it could put some guys further back in the field than they probably would have qualified, so that could make a little bit of a difference at the beginning of this race, but, overall, 500 laps the fast cars are gonna be at the front at the end.” Biffle said.