CONCORD, N.C. -- William Byron won the pole for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Byron claimed the top spot with a qualifying speed of 183.424 mph. At the age of 21, he’s the youngest Coca-Cola 600 pole-sitter.
It’s Byron’s second career Cup pole, joining his pole in this year’s Daytona 500.
He beat out Aric Almirola (183.069 mph), Kyle Busch (182.933), Austin Dillon (182.766) and Kevin Harvick (182.741).
“This is awesome, a dream come true,” Byron told FS1. “Obviously, I grew up in Charlotte so I came to this race every year. It’s a dream come true to qualify on the pole next to Hendrick Motorsports across the street over there. ... Can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.”
Byron has qualified on the front row five time this year and four times in the last seven races.
The pole is the 12th for Hendrick Motorsports in the 600, which leads all teams.
Busch has qualified in the top three for the last three 600s.
Corey LaJoie’s No. 32 Ford failed pre-qualifying inspection twice, resulting in the ejection of an engineer.