In what could be an ominous sign for the competition, Jimmie Johnson won the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway and did so by setting a new track record.
NASCAR Martinsville 2013 qualifying results: Johnson wins pole, sets new track record
Jimmie Johnson set a new track record in qualifying and earned the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway.
Drew Hallowell
Johnson’s lap of 98.4 mph broke the record previously set by Tony Stewart in 2005.
With seven wins on the half-mile oval, Johnson is tied with Jeff Gordon for most victories among active drivers and last fall won at Martinsville from the No. 1 position.
“In order to be fast here, you have to be uncomfortable. It sounds odd at such a small race track but it’s true and I had plenty of uncomfortable on that lap,” Johnson said laughing.
Marcos Ambrose in a Ford fielded by Richard Petty Motorsports qualified second and is looking to become the first Ford driver to claim victory at Martinsville since 2002 when Kurt Busch went to Victory Lane.
Brian Vickers, Joey Logano and Kasey Kahne rounded out the top five qualifiers.
Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski posted the seventh-fastest time, while series points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. will lineup 17th.
Mark Martin had a disappointing effort in qualifying and will start Sunday’s race from the 35th position. He is driving in relief of the injured Denny Hamlin, who fractured his vertebrae two weeks ago at Fontana.
Mike Bliss was the only driver who did not qualify.
STP Gas Booster 500 starting lineup at Martinsville Speedway:
1) Jimmie Johnson
2) Marcos Ambrose
3) Brian Vickers
4) Joey Logano
5) Kasey Kahne
6) Jeff Gordon
7) Brad Keselowski
8) Matt Kenseth
9) Carl Edwards
10) Ryan Newman
11) Kyle Busch
12) Martin Truex Jr.
13) Jamie McMurray
14) Juan Pablo Montoya
15) Clint Bowyer
16) Paul Menard
17) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
18) Regan Smith
19) Kurt Busch
20) Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
21) Kevin Harvick
22) Greg Biffle
23) David Ragan
24) David Stremme
25) Travis Kvapil
26) Tony Stewart
27) Michael McDowell
28) Scott Speed
29) Jeff Burton
30) David Gilliland
31) Bobby Labonte
32) Danica Patrick
33) Landon Cassill
34) Aric Almirola
35) Mark Martin
36) Ken Schrader
37) JJ Yeley
38) Scott Riggs
39) Dave Blaney
40) David Reutimann
41) Casey Mears
42) Josh Wise
43) Joe Nemechek
DNQ: Mike Bliss
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