Brandon Jones won the pole position for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver posted a best speed of 157.398 mph around the 1-mile track. It is Jones’ first pole of the year and the fourth of his career.
Jones will be joined on the front row by Sam Mayer. The rookie driver posted a speed of 157.048 mph.
The top five was completed by Noah Gragson, Josh Berry and Ty Gibbs.
“That was a big lap, man,” Jones told Fox Sports 1. “A lot more than I expected. But based on practice we’re just carrying so much throttle this weekend here. I don’t know it’s the little bit colder temperatures or the different tire compound, but I know (my team) brought the heat.”
Click here for the starting lineup.
Before qualifying, a 20 minute practice session was held.
The top five consisted of Jones (153.662 mph), John Hunter Nemechek (153.368), Riley Herbst (153.094), Gragson (152.892) and Mayer (152.355).
Rookie Rajah Caruth was the surprise of the session. He posted the eight-best lap in his No. 44 Chevrolet. Caruth netted a top speed of 151.822 mph.
“Our Circle Chevy was fast,” Caruth told Fox Sports. “We fired off with a mock run there to kind of get my bearings, especially after being in the ARCA Menards Series car. Overall, I feel pretty decent. Just need to be freed up. The rubber makes it worse, that tight sensation. “
Saturday will be Caruth’s second career Xfinity Series start. He made his debut last month at Richmond Raceway. He starts 15th Saturday at Dover.