Michigan NASCAR: Hendrick's Kasey Kahne takes first pole since 2012

Prior to the final shootout, points leader Harvick had dominated by going quickest in the first two rounds of qualifying after topping practice.

He then went to the top of the times in the decisive round, but was pipped by Kahne by 0.067 seconds.

Kahne's pole time matched what Harvick had managed in round two - 35.645s

Brad Keselowski was third ahead of Carl Edwards, while Ryan Blaney was a surprise fifth for Wood Brothers Racing.

Kahne's Hendrick Motorsports team-mates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson - the two winners at Michigan last year - had to settle for sixth and eighth respectively, split by Austin Dillon.

Fresh from his long-awaited first win of the campaign at Pocono last week, Martin Truex Jr was ninth ahead of Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth.

Denny Hamlin was the first of those to miss out on a place in the third segment, together with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.

Kurt Busch was 24th and slowest in the second round, the Pocono pole winner in a back-up car after brushing the wall in practice.

Jamie McMurray headed those eliminated after the first round, after Danica Patrick had pushed him out of the top 24 with a late improvement while McMurray was in the pits.

Brendan Gaughan was the one driver from the 44-car field not to qualify for the race.

QUALIFYING RESULTS: