Keselowski takes first pole since ’17

LOUDON, N.H.» Brad Keselowski topped qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Friday for his first NASCAR Cup pole since 2017.

Keselowski turned a fast lap of 136.384 mph in his Ford to edge Kyle Busch, who briefly held the top speed Friday before Keselowski bumped him from the top.

“We’re happy with that effort. It certainly bodes well for our shot to get those stage wins and of course the overall race win come Sunday. But we still have to go earn it,” Keselowski said. “So you’re happy for it. You take a breath and you celebrate it and you get your head back down and go to work.”

Busch was second at 136.311 mph, just ahead of older brother, Kurt. Kurt Busch is coming off his first victory of the season after edging Kyle last weekend at Kentucky Motor Speedway.

Keselowski, who has won three races this season, won at New Hampshire in 2014.

Pagenaud wins 2nd straight pole at Iowa.

NEWTON, IOWA» Simon Pagenaud will start first in Saturday’s IndyCar race at Iowa Speedway after winning the pole for the second week in a row.

Pagenaud, who won in Toronto last weekend starting from the front row, posted an average speed of 180.073 mph to capture his third pole of 2019 and his 13th overall.

Will Power qualified second, followed by series leader Josef Newgarden and Takuma Sato. Defending Iowa champion James Hinchcliffe was fifth.

The pole winner has never won an IndyCar race at Iowa’s 0.875-mile oval in 12 tries though.