Auto racing: Truex claims first Nextel Cup pole

Earlier this year, Martin Truex Jr. got his first NASCAR Nextel Cup win. Now he has his first pole.

The Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver turned a lap of 193.105 mph Friday at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, to grab the top spot for the Dickies 500. The pole came in the 79th race of Truex’s Cup career and it came in a Chevrolet that had to undergo major repairs after a crash Sunday at Atlanta.

His pole wasn’t assured until series leader Jeff Gordon, the second to last of 48 drivers to make a qualifying attempt on the 1.5-mile oval, came up just short at 192.424.

Jimmie Johnson, the reigning Cup champion who trails Gordon by just nine points going into Sunday’s race, qualified eighth.

Smith will acquire track

New Hampshire International Speedway will have a new owner, and still has both of its NASCAR Nextel Cup dates – for now.

Speedway Motorsports chairman Bruton Smith confirmed that he has agreed to buy the New Hampshire track for $340 million from 80-year-old independent owner Bob Bahre.

Craftsman Trucks

Ted Musgrave broke a 66-race winless streak, taking the checkered flag under caution after the two trucks in front of him crashed going into the first turn of what was supposed to be a green-white finish at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

Busch Series

Carl Edwards had a fast lap of 190.745 mph Friday night to qualify third for the O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway at Fort Worth. Edwards only has to finish today’s race 36th or better to clinch the season title with two races still left after that.