Kevin Harvick wins the pole for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas

Kevin Karvick seems to be just fine with the new racing surface at Texas Motor Speedway, thanks very much.

Texas Motor Speedway is a bit of a mystery now. Just ask Jimmie Johnson.

The seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion had a bit of trouble during qualifying for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on the newly repaved and reconfigured track. He spun out during the first round of qualifying, flat-spotting three tires and effectively ending his shot at the pole.

But Kevin Harvick had no such problems. The No. 4 Jimmy Johns Ford was the fastest car in every qualifying round, giving Harvick the pole for Sunday’s race, his second Coors Light Pole of 2017.

Ryan Blaney will join Harvick on the front row, while Clint Bowyer and Team Penske teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski round out the top five.

Along with Johnson’s drama, the technical inspection process stymied a number of cars, meaning nine drivers never even got onto the track to make a qualifying run. Among them were the No. 42 Chevy of Cup Series points leader Kyle Larson and the No. 88 Chevy of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Still, Junior didn’t sound upset about the inspection process when talking to Fox Sports reporters, noting that at least there are clear rules in place that apply to the entire field.

“I don’t know what was wrong with our car going through tech, but if you don’t make it, you don’t get out there, and I like that,” Earnhardt said. “I like the rules being the same for everybody.”

The O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 will take place Sunday afternoon, with coverage starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Fox.