Kansas City, KS (Best E Casino) - Jimmie Johnson survived challenges from Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth to capture the pole for Sunday's LifeLock 400, the third race in the 10-race "Chase for the Nextel Cup." The No.48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driver circled the 1.5-mile oval in 30.846 seconds (175.063 m.p.h.).
The pole victory was just Johnson's third in the last four weeks and 12th of his Nextel Cup career.
"I can't believe we've been on this roll in qualifying," said Johnson. "Qualifying hasn't really been my strong suit over my whole career so we're glad that it's here. It's coming at an important time. Pit road pick is very important as is track position."
Starting alongside Johnson will be Newman, who posted a time of 30.876 seconds. Kenseth (30.984) and Scott Riggs (31.041) will make up row two.
The remainder of the "Chase" field will start in the following order: Jeff Gordon (fifth), Denny Hamlin (sixth), Kyle Busch (ninth), Martin Truex Jr. (10th), Clint Bowyer (11th), Kurt Busch (13th), Kevin Harvick (18th), Tony Stewart (20th), Carl Edwards (28th) and Jeff Burton (35th).
Last Sunday's "War of Attrition" saw Edwards emerge as the big winner, climbing five positions after his win. He then gave back 25 points when his car failed post-race inspection.
At the other end of the spectrum were Harvick, Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Hamlin who all had problems and find themselves more than 100 points behind front- runner Gordon.
The good news for those who have fallen back is that 2006 Nextel Cup champion Johnson gave them a blueprint for their comeback in last year's "Chase." The No.48 Chevy driver began his 2006 Chase by finishing 39th at New Hampshire, 13th at Dover, 14th at Kansas and 24th at Talladega before going "crazy" and winning the title. It won't be easy for the bottom four drivers, but it is still possible.
While Gordon is the points leader, he was really nowhere in Dover. He didn't lead any laps and finished one lap down to the leaders. But he also avoided both mechanical problems and all the on-track accidents to finish 11th. It's that kind of driving that helps win championships - when you aren't really competitive, but pull out a decent finish.
The No.24 DuPont Chevrolet has done well in Kansas, winning the first two events held at the track and collecting a total of four top-10s in six starts. His average finish at Kansas is 11.5. Gordon will need a great outing to maintain the championship lead. Just behind him are five drivers within 28 points including Stewart, who is just two points back.
Stewart has a better record at Kansas than Gordon with one win, five top-10s and an average finish of 6.5. That number is the best of the 12 "Chase" drivers.
Last year's race, won by Stewart, was decided by fuel mileage. The No.20 Home Depot Chevrolet was coasting as it crossed the finish line, out of fuel, but more than 12 seconds ahead of Casey Mears, who was also out of fuel.
The race is scheduled to drop the green flag on Sunday at 2 p.m. (et).
