Jimmie Johnson poses with his pole award for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway
Credit: Tyler Barrick/Getty Images
Jimmie Johnson went out 23rd but posted the fastest speed at Chicagoland Speedway and captures the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR GEICO 400. Jimmie Johnson was 25th on the speed chart in the first practice Friday. He was able to improve to seventh in the final practice but improved even more to capture the pole over all the other drivers. His lap time was 29.530 seconds or 182.865 MPH.
“Qualifying makes the race so much easier, your pit stall is gonna be right and clearly track position to start the race will be in your favor,” Johnson said. This is Johnson’s 27th pole in NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying. With this pole, he ties Terry Labonte for 24th all-time.
Johnson has had very good runs at Chicagoland Speedway but has not been able to win in eleven starts. The crew chief for Johnson’s No 48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, Chad Knaus is from neighboring Rockford, Illinois. This is his home track.
“I want to win here to let him experience a win here,” Johnson said.
Jamie Dick in the No. 23, JJ Yeley in the No. 37, Jason Leffler in the No. 49 and Reed Sorenson were the slowest of the go or go home drivers and will miss the race.
Aric Almirola will start second, Matt Kenseth third, Dale Earnhardt Jr. fourth and Carl Edwards fifth.
Brian Berg Jr. is the Lead NASCAR writer for RantSports.com.
Follow him on Twitter @brian_jr1 during the race and throughout the week for more NASCAR news and commentary. On Facebook at NASCAR News and Commentary
