In the last race before the Chase for the Nextel Cup playoffs start, Jimmie Johnson posted a qualifying lap that blew away the field at Richmond International Raceway.
His speed was 126.296 m.p.h. to win the pole for Saturday’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400.
Jeff Gordon was second at 125.342.
“I figured out how to drive this track when we were here in the spring,” Johnson said.
*Mark Martin didn’t have to look far to see the number he’ll drive the next two seasons for Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Parked next to the No. 01 hauler he’s shared this season with Aric Almirola and Regan Smith was the No. 8 hauler currently occupied by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Martin and Almirola will take over the car and number driven by NASCAR’s most popular driver in 2008.
*Fernando Alonso and McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton were fastest in Friday’s second practice session ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. Two-time defending champion Alonso had a lap in 1 minute 22.386 seconds, almost a second faster than Hamilton.
