CONCORD, N.C., May 24 (UPI) -- Ryan Newman won the pole Thursday for Sunday's running of NASCAR's longest race -- the Coca-Cola 600.
Newman's teammate, Kurt Busch, had the second-fastest qualifying time.
The showing at the Lowe's Motor Speedway continued a hot streak for car owner Roger Penske. Helio Castroneves, another Penske driver, will start out front in Sunday's Indianapolis 500.
Newman completed a lap at the 1.5-mile oval in 29.140 seconds for a speed of 185.312 mph. Busch had a time of 29.179 seconds.
Elliott Sadler will start third and Dale Earnhardt Jr. fourth, followed by Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin. Jeff Gordon, who has a lead of 231 points in the championship chase, will start 33rd.
Michael Waltrip crashed during his qualifying attempt, and will miss his 11th consecutive race.
