Kevin Harvick has never won a Cup race at Pocono, where in 26 starts he’s managed to lead only five laps. But his Stewart-Haas Chevrolet has been fast this weekend.
Harvick was the leader in Coors Pole Qualifying until late laps by Hamlin, Kurt Busch and Keselowski forced him to settle for fourth on Friday. Saturday, Harvick posted the fastest time in morning practice (177.291 mph), recorded the best average for 10 consecutive laps (175.462) and led the field again in final practice (175.606)
Keselowski and Brian Vickers were the only other drivers to top 177 mph in the morning session. Kurt Busch was second in the afternoon, followed by Jimmie Johnson, who qualified 20th.
Series points leader Matt Kenseth, still looking for his first victory of the season, finally found some speed. Twenty-sixth in qualifying, Kenseth was 27th in the morning practice but improved to eighth-fastest in final practice.
Also, Aric Almirola blew an engine in the final practice session. He will start at the rear of the field Sunday after originally qualifying 22nd.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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