Polesitter Kyle Busch has led the first 30 laps of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 rather uncontested. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, looking for his second win both of 2012 and at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, currently holds the top spot over Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne.
Busch's teammate and the pre-race favorite Denny Hamlin runs third. He led both practice sessions Saturday in fastest lap time and fastest average speed over ten consecutive laps. Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon rounding out the top-five. Completing the top-10 are Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr., and Stewart-Haas Racing teammates (and 2011 Loudon winners) Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart.
After qualifying a season-best 19th, David Ragan of Unadilla has dropped to the 29th position in his No. 34 Ford. Among the drivers who have already "start and parked" are J.J. Yeley and Kelly Bires, though Joe Nemechek, David Stremme, and others will likely follow them to the garage in short order.