SPARTA, Ky. – Austin Cindric started off his weekend by watching his crew chief get escorted out of the NASCAR Xfinity Series garage at Kentucky Speedway, but he rebounded Friday in a big way by winning the pole for the Alsco 300.

Cindric’s crew chief, Brian Wilson, was escorted from the garage area Thursday when NASCAR officials discovered an illegal body modification on the No. 22 Mazak Ford Mustang. The team was also penalized with the loss of 10 owner and driver points and Wilson was fined $10,000.

Fast forward to Friday and Cindric topped the qualifying charts with a 29.995-second lap at 180.030 mph to earn his first pole of the season and the fourth of his NASCAR Xfinity Series career.

“Unfortunately we haven’t run a lap of the race yet and that’s where they pay the points,” Cindric said. “This is an awesome start. Awesome to do this in Mazak’s backyard. We’ve got them on the car this weekend. They’ve been a partner with Team Penske for over 25 years.

“Starting from the right spot and hopefully we’ll finish in the right spot.”

Christopher Bell will start Friday’s race from the second position, followed by Noah Gragson, Justin Allgaier and Cole Custer. Custer had his car chief ejected Friday afternoon when his car failed to pass inspection after three attempts.

The remainder of the top-10 includes Brandon Jones, Riley Herbst, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and Michael Annett.

Alsco 300 Starting Lineup

1. Austin Cindric
2. Christopher Bell
3. Noah Gragson
4. Justin Allgaier
5. Cole Custer
6. Brandon Jones
7. Riley Herbst
8. Tyler Reddick
9. Chase Briscoe
10. Michael Annett
11. John Hunter Nemechek
12. Ryan Truex
13. Ryan Sieg
14. Justin Haley
15. Ray Black II
16. Gray Gaulding
17. Brandon Brown
18. Jeremy Clements
19. Ronnie Bassett Jr.
20. Timmy Hill
21. Jeff Green
22. Matt Mills
23. Stephen Leicht
24. B,J. McLeod
25. Josh Bilicki
26. Josh Williams
27. Joey Gase
28. Shane Lee
29. Chad Finchum
30. Landon Cassill
31. David Starr
32. JA Junior Avila
33. Morgan Shepherd
34. Camden Murphy
35. Garrett Smithley
36. Vinnie Miller
37. Mike Harmon
38. John Jackson