Labonte Qualifies Fifth for Checker Auto Parts 500

Labonte turned a lap of 27.020 seconds, 133.235 mph in the No. 18 Interstate Batteries/Madagascar Chevrolet.

“Well, it was a little too loose,” Labonte said. “And to be honest, I'm glad that it was loose. You know, I'd rather be a little loose right now than a little too tight. Because, I'm afraid in the race we'd get too tight. It was still pretty good. We didn't quite get off of Turn 2 like we wanted to, and Turn 4 was still a little bit too free. Still, overall it was alright.”

JGR Rookie Denny Hamlin won the Bud Pole, with a lap of 26.831, 134.173. Tony Stewart qualified ninth with a lap of 27.115, 132.768.

The Checker Auto Parts 500 begins at 3 p.m. (EST) and will be broadcast live on NBC and MRN.