A first at Texas: Jeff Gordon wins the Sprint Cup pole
FORT WORTH, Texas - Despite all his success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Jeff Gordon hasn’t had much of it at Texas Motor Speedway.
That could be about to change.
Gordon, driving the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, dashed to his first pole at the 1.5-mile track on Friday to claim the top starting spot for Sunday’s Dickies 500.
The four-time series champ is seeking his first win in his 16th start at the track.
“Great way to get the weekend started,” said Gordon, who notched his 67th career pole and fourth of 2008. “I’m really excited about this team and all the hard work they’ve put in, especially trying to come back and prove themselves here at Texas.”
Gordon’s fast lap of 188.469 mph beat out Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s Martin Truex Jr., who qualified second at 188.003. Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer posted the third-fastest speed at 187.859.
Roush Fenway Racing’s Jamie McMurray and Hendrick’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. completed the top five.
Positions six through 10 belong to Roush Fenway’s Matt Kenseth, Hendrick’s Jimmie Johnson, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Tony Stewart, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Reed Sorenson and Haas CNC Racing’s Scott Riggs.
Chase For The Sprint Cup drivers outside the top 10 included Roush Fenway’s Carl Edwards (16th), JGR’s Denny Hamlin (17th), Roush Fenway’s Greg Biffle (19th), RCR’s Kevin Harvick (23rd), JGR’s Kyle Busch (29th) and RCR’s Jeff Burton (38th).
Brad Keselowski, driving the No. 25 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, qualified based on speed and will start 37th in his series debut.
Tony Raines (Haas CNC Racing), Bryan Clauson (Ganassi), Chad McCumbee (Petty Enterprises), Max Papis (Germain Racing) and Johnny Sauter (EM Motorsports) all failed to qualify based on speed and will miss the race.
