Hollywood Casino 400 2012: Kasey Kahne Will Ride Pole Position to Victory

Kasey Kahne will do something he hasn't done this year and that's win a race from the pole position. As the season winds down, victories at this point are crucial.

Kahne will capitalize on his opportunity. Here are three reasons why he will come out on top: 

Each victory this season has come when Kahne started inside Top 10

Kahne hasn't had much success this season starting on the pole position. However, the two times he claimed victory—Coca-Cola 600 and Lenox Industrial Tools 301—he started inside the Top 10. 

Starting on the pole position, Kahne put himself in the best possible situation heading into the Hollywood Casino 400. 

Pole Position

While starting on the pole position puts a major target on someone's back, it clearly gives drivers the best opportunity to claim victory. There is a reason why drivers want to start on the pole—the likelihood of winning is increased.

Pole position allows drivers to get great starts with the possibility of maintaining a lead. Kahne will be in contention in the end because of his pole position.

And if you're in contention at the end, anything can happen. 

2012 Form

Kahne is currently fifth in the standings. He has posted nine Top 5 finishes and 16 Top 10 finishes in 31 races this season.

While there have been better overall drivers, Kahne has proven to be consistent in 2012, putting him just ahead of Greg Biffle in the standings. 

Hollywood Casino 400 Top 10 Lineup (via Chron.com)

1. Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 191.36 mph.

2. Mark Martin, Toyota, 191.238.

3. Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 191.13.

4. Kyle Busch, Toyota, 191.096.

5. Aric Almirola, Ford, 190.988.

6. Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 190.853.

7. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 190.84.

8. Joey Logano, Toyota, 190.813.

9. Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 190.718.

10. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 190.409.