Auto Racing

Sterling Marlin came up with his series-leading fifth pole victory of the season, taking the top qualifying spot for Sunday’s Southern 500.

His lap of 162.249 m.p.h., easily the quickest of the day, gave Marlin a sweep of the two poles at Darlington Speedway this year.

Ernie Irvan, who ran early in the session in cool, cloudy conditions, was second to Marlin at 161.992, followed by Ken Schrader at 161.923, Marlin teammate Bill Elliott at 161.705 and Darrell Waltrip at 161.602.