NASCAR News: Busch edges Johnson for Coca Cola 600 pole

The Coca Cola 600 is the third Cup Series race to be run this week, after two races were run at Darlington last Sunday and Wednesday - marking motorsports return for the first time since the world was forced into lockdown by coronavirus.

William Byron's 180.264mph lap was enough to secure him the provisional pole early in the session.

But it would not hold, as team-mate Jimmie Johnson, a four-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600, took over the top spot with 181.214mph lap.

With no practice, the track was treacherous for some. J.J. Yeley cut down a left rear tyre on his run after a significant tyre rub during his lap.

Matt DiBenedetto slammed the wall on the exit of Turn 4 during his lap, forcing the Wood Brothers to roll out the backup car.

Soon after, Aric Almirola spun sideways, making slight contact with the outside wall as his car slid into the infield.

Several drivers took a shot at Johnson's lap, but none could seem to top the #48 machine.

That was until Chip Ganassi Racing's Busch finally unseated Johnson in the closing moments of the session, taking pole position by just 0.009s (181.269mph).

For 2004 Cup champion Busch, this is his 28th career pole and his first in NACAR's longest race.

"I'm just so proud of Matt McCall (crew chief) and all our guys and the way we have to communicate right now and get through everything, such as those last-minute details and those fine adjustments," Busch said.

"It's an awesome pole. I was really more geared up for downforce and being ready for 600 miles.

"This means Matt McCall has something up his sleeve and we should be good tonight!"

This will be Johnson's seventh front row start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and his fourth in the 600.

Chase Elliott will start third, Matt Kenseth fourth, Tyler Reddick fifth, Austin Dillon sixth, Joey Logano seventh, Martin Truex Jr. eighth, Brad Keselowski ninth, and William Byron tenth.

Complete Coca Cola 600 Qualifying Results