Jimmie Johnson lucked into the pole position the last time NASCAR visited the Poconos, and got himself a win. This time, Johnson might not have weather on his side, but he’s still the guy to watch as he looks to extend his lead atop the NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings at this weekend’s GoBowling.com 400.
NASCAR at Pocono Raceway 2013 qualifying: Jimmie Johnson hoping to follow up on pole, victory in June
The NASCAR Sprint Cup’s points leader won the last time the series headed to Pocono, but he didn’t have to earn his pole position on the raceway that time.
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At June’s Party in the Poconos 400, rain cancelled qualifying, and due to owners’ points, Johnson was the polesitter. He took full advantage, leading for 128 of 160 laps and taking the checkered flag for his third victory of the year. Johnson still leads in points, and it’s not like he can’t also qualify well:: he took the outside pole at last week’s Brickyard 400, and qualifying ended up predicting the finish: Polesitter Ryan Newman took the race, and ended up winning.
Winning at Pocono definitely has to do with where you line up: 24 of 71 winners at the raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania have started from the front row, with 50 of 71 starting in the top ten.
Qualifying for Sunday’s main event is 3:10 p.m. Friday, and will be broadcast on SPEED.
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