AVONDALE, Ariz., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Carl Edwards set a qualifying record Friday and won the pole for the Kobalt Tools 500, the next-to-last race of the Sprint Cup season.
Edwards turned a lap at one-mile Phoenix International Raceway in 136.389 mph, capturing his third pole of the season and the seventh of his career. His lap broke the track record of 135.854 mph set six years ago by Ryan Newman.
Edwards has not won on the Sprint Cup circuit since the 2008 season finale in Homestead, Fla.
A.J. Allmendinger turned in the second fastest lap, followed by Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray.
Points leader Denny Hamlin qualified 17th while Jimmie Johnson will start 21st. Johnson is in second place in the chase for the championship, 33 points behind Hamlin. Johnson is trying for his fifth consecutive series title.
Kevin Harvick, 59 points behind Hamlin in third place, qualified 29th.
The race will begin at 3 p.m. EST Sunday.
