Biffle takes pole for Michigan Sprint Cup race

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Greg Biffle has won the pole for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.

Biffle posted a qualifying lap of 190.345 miles per hour for his first pole since June 2008. Biffle is 13th in the points standings but without a win this year. A victory would be a significant boost to his hopes of reaching the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Matt Kenseth was second in qualifying, and Ryan Newman was third.

Biffle is coming off a 31st-place finish at Watkins Glen. After that race, he confronted Boris Said in the pits afterward and gave him a couple of quick hits while Said was still in his car. Said had touched off a wild crash at the end of the road race.