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AJ Allmendinger is all smiles after securing the pole position for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Emily Ball

AJ Allmendinger won the pole position for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Emily Ball

Allen Gregory

BRISTOL, Tenn. – A.J. Allmendinger followed a unique strategy for qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway Friday evening.

“I had my eyes closed the whole time,” Allmendinger joked.

That approach paid dividends in a big way.

Allmendinger posted a lap of 15.117 seconds at 126.930 mph in his Kaulig Racing No. 16 to earn the pole for Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

“The first lap was good. It stuck and I thought I’d try for a little more,” Allmendinger said.

That daring attempt translated into more speed.

“I know it’

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