Truex on pole as Larson's qualifier wiped out

Kyle Larson had the perfect Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – almost.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was not only fastest in the only practice session, but went quickest in all three rounds of qualifying with a lap of 133.324mph. He was originally awarded the pole, but post-qualifying inspection uncovered an unapprovoed rear deck fin, so his time was disallowed. He'll officially start 39th. 

• Updated starting lineup

Martin Truex Jr., who would have started second for the sixth time this season, will start on the pole for the first time this season. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series point leader laid down a lap of 133.077 mph.

"Not the way we wanted to get our first pole of the year, but looking forward to starting up front and getting a good pit stall," Truex said.

Larson already was competing this weekend with interim crew chief Tony Lunders, as Chad Johnston starts a three-race suspension for an improper rear brake cooling assembly found after the Kentucky race. The penalty cost Larson his one-marker points lead, and he now trails Furniture Row's Truex by 34.

"Our Target Chevy has been really fast all day, has a lot of speed, like I don't have to drive really hard because it makes a lot of speed," Larson said prior to qualifying. "So, that's good. We're missing Chad this weekend and for the next couple weeks."

Jimmie Johnson will start third at 132.688 mph with defending race winner Matt Kenseth fourth at 132.324 mph and Jamie McMurray fifth at 132.071 mph.

Denny Hamlin qualified ninth in his backup car after crashing in practice. Aric Almirola will start 22nd in his first race back from a back injury.

The Overton's 301 is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.