Matt Kenseth has continued the strong qualifying form of Joe Gibbs Racing with pole position for the Pure Michigan 400.
Kenseth, the winner at Pocono two weeks ago, took the pole with a lap of 317.826 km/h (197.488 miles per hour).
It's another good sign for the team as it has won five of the last seven races contested.
That was enough to eclipse teammate Denny Hamlin with another Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Carl Edwards in third.
With a new, high-drag aerodynamic package similar to what was last month at Indianapolis, NASCAR opted for two rounds of single-car qualifying, rather than the typical group qualifying.
The new package had the desired effect of reducing speeds compared to last year's qualifying record of 332.423 km/h (206.558 mph) set by Jeff Gordon.
Among the drivers who failed to advance to Round 2 were 2012 Cup champ Brad Keselowski (14th), June Michigan winner Kurt Busch (16th), defending race winner Jeff Gordon (21st) and Danica Patrick (23rd).
Aric Almirola was 30th-fastest in qualifying after sickness left him with only limited participation in Friday's only practice session. Two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Matt Crafton provided relief driving duties in the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford, but a rested Almirola suited up for time trials.
The only driver who didn't qualify was Reed Sorenson.
QUALIFYING: Pure Michigan 400 – Michigan International Speedway