MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) — Kevin Harvick paced the final practice session before Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway.
It was a boost for Harvick, who will start 33rd — the lowest of the eight remaining Chase for the Sprint Cup championship contenders. Martinsville is the opening race of the third round of the Chase, and Harvick picked the worst time to earn his worst starting position of the season.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second fastest in practice. He’s not eligible for the championship.
Brad Keselowski was third fastest. He won at Talladega last week to advance into the third round of the Chase.
Defending race winner Jeff Gordon, another Chase driver, was fifth fastest. Other championship contenders were: Joey Logano (ninth), Matt Kenseth (14th), Ryan Newman (17th), Denny Hamlin (21st) and Carl Edwards (33rd).
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
