CONCORD, N.C. – Last was best for Martin Truex Jr.

Truex was the last of 23 cars to qualify Friday night for the Sprint Showdown and easily bested Jamie McMurray to win the pole for the prelude to Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“It was a good run. We didn’t know what to expect,” Truex said. “I feel good about what we have for (Saturday night).

“We hope to get in the big show. That’s what it’s all about.”

Juan Pablo Montoya qualified third, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fourth and Casey Mears fifth.

The top two finishers in the Showdown, a 40-lap, two-segment race, advance into the All-Star Race.