Logano captures pole for NASCAR All-Star race

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — Joey Logano will start on the pole for the NASCAR All-Star race after turning a lap of 1:29.75 on Saturday during qualifying at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Christopher Bell’s team won the pit crew challenge for the second straight year and the No. 20 Toyota team will have its choice of the top pit stall for the $1 million race on Sunday night.

The remainder of the field for the All-Star Race will be determined later Saturday following two separate 60-lap heats at the .625-mile track.

Logano won’t have to worry about how he fares in his heat after winning his first pole.

“It’s the most special pole I have ever had,” Logano said. “There is a lot of work that goes into that minute-and-a-half.”

William Byron appeared to beat Logano’s time, but was assessed a 10-second penalty for speeding on pit road during the stop.

Logano turned the top lap even though his pit crew only had the fifth-fastest stop.

Twenty drivers will participate in the All-Star race, 17 of which have already earned their way in through past accomplishments. The top two finishers from Sunday’s preliminary Open race and the winner of the fan vote will also be advance into the All-Star Race.

As part of the pit crew challenge, drivers took the green flag, ran one full lap at speed, and on the second lap proceeded to one of two NASCAR designated pit stalls for a four-tire stop with mock fuel delivery. Then the cars exited pit road and raced back to the checkered flag. The qualifying time was determined by the total elapsed time from green flag to checkered flag.