Kaulig Racing is now three-for-three in pole positions in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season, with AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 Action Industries Chevrolet Camaro recording the fastest time in Friday’s single-car qualifying session at 29.318 seconds (184.187mph).
Much like at Auto Club Speedway, Allmendinger was one of the final drivers to take time in the session, taking the pole away from JR Motorsports’ Josh Berry, who qualified alongside the No. 16 on the front row.
Las Vegas-native’s Riley Herbst and Noah Gragson will make up row two on Saturday, with Landon Cassill having a much-needed fifth-place qualifying effort. Daniel Hemric, Ryan Truex, Sheldon Creed, Sam Mayer, and John Hunter Nemechek rounded out the top-10.
The single-car qualifying session featured a pair of mishaps, both of which played into which drivers qualified for Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300.
First was Jesse Iwuji, driving the No. 34, who slid sideways in turn four on his qualifying lap, ultimately forcing the Jesse Iwuji Motorsports entry to take an owner points provisional.
What a save! @Jesse_Iwuji and drivers are pushing it to the limit in #Alsco300 qualifying. (📺: FS1) pic.twitter.com/fTdt6TiY3t
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) March 5, 2022
Next was Jeb Burton, who had no owner points to fall back on entering Friday’s qualifying session, meaning he had to qualify inside the top-33 in speed. However, on his qualifying lap, the right-rear tire went down, sending him spinning into turn two.
Not as planned.
Jeb Burton spins in #Alsco300 qualifying. pic.twitter.com/lT17aqrQNu
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) March 5, 2022
However, due to his NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway last season, Burton was able to use his Past Winners Provisional, claiming the 38th and final position in the field for Saturday’s 200-lapper.
David Starr (No. 08 – SS Green Light Racing), Stan Mullis (No. 13 – MBM Motorsports), and Josh Williams (No. 78 – BJ McLeod Motorsports) were the three drivers that failed to qualify for the event.
