Las Vegas qualifying canceled by heavy rain

This time, rain proved to be a help for Brad Keselowski, who sits third in the points after two Cup races.

Chris Graythen/NASCAR via Getty Images

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Brad Keselowski will start on the pole after heavy rain forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying for Sunday's race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The track got steady rain all morning Friday and again in the early afternoon after a brief break, forcing NASCAR to scrap practice and qualifying for the first time in Las Vegas.

The speedway urged fans to take cover from rain, wind and lightning when the afternoon storm broke.

Sunday's field will be set by points and the NASCAR rule book, giving the pole to last season's Sprint Cup series champion.

Keselowski says he's excited because it's the first time he's ever ended up with good track position after a rainout.

Mike Bliss will miss the race because of the cancellation of qualifying.

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