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| Talladega |
Jeff Gordon led the way, winning his second career Cup pole at Talladega, with a speed of 178.248 mph.
It also marks the slowest pole-winning speed ever at Talladega. NASCAR this year reduced the size of the restrictor plate openings to 7/8ths of an inch to keep speeds in the two-car draft at around 200 mph.
It is also Gordon's 70th career pole, breaking a tie with Cale Yarboroughfor third place in most poles.
Gordon's three Hendrick teammates -Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- had the three next fastest times.
Paul Menard in fifth and Landon Cassil in sixth gave Chevy the top six starting positions. Twenty of the last 24 Talladega races have been won by Chevys.
David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Brian Vickers and Clint Bowyer complete the top 10.
Michael Waltrip, driving the Auburn-themed No. 15 Toyota, will start 12th.
Three drivers failed to qualify -- Michael McDowell, Tony Raines and Mike Skinner.
Sources: http://www.al.com
