While not the most popular thing among the drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage, spending the last two days testing at Pocono Raceway have ensured that the polesitter for this weekend’s race will be a virtual lock to become the new track record holder.
Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Thursday’s speeds were nearly 7 mph faster than the old track record on the tricky 2.5-mile tri-oval, and every one of the 41 cars that tested over the last two days beat the old record.
The speeds at the end of the straight were measured at more than 212 mph, but the challenging corners bring the average lap speed to under 180. Qualifying takes place Saturday morning at 11:10 a.m. Eastern Time.
