Inside Lane: Kyle Busch captures first Daytona 500 Pole

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Kyle Busch accomplished something on Wednesday night he had never done in his career, claiming the pole position for the Daytona 500.

This Sunday will be Busch’s 21st attempt at hoisting the Harley J. Earl Trophy, one of only a few he does not have in his collection.

Busch will make that attempt with a new crew chief on top of the pit box, who he was quick to give credit to.

“Jim Pohlman, new crew chief on board this year, gave a lot of confidence and, had some in himself about just being able to feel like the car would have the speed that it took to sit on the pole,” said Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet.

In his 20 previous attempts, Busch has a best finish of fourth place, which he has done four times.

This year, the No. 8 team is hoping Chevrolet’s new body style will give the manufacture an advantage.

“In years past the Chevy nose has been a little bit peaky, so it’s been a little bit hard to kind of be aggressive in the pushing style. They’ve kind of flattened that out a little bit to allow us to have the opportunity to push at the super speedways and it’s got a little bit less drag,” said Busch.

If the No. 8 Team is able to get the win on Sunday, it would mean more than ever to Busch from a family-perspective.

“I feel like winning it now would be more important, having the family, Samantha and the kids. The kids especially being around and Brexton being old enough now to appreciate it. He’s racing in his own career and so it would definitely be pretty special,” said Busch.

Richard Childress Racing as a whole has a little extra motivation this weekend, as a victory would come nearly 25 years after the loss of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

You can catch the action Sunday afternoon. The green flag is set to drop at Daytona International Speedway just after 3 p.m.