Gordon wins 200th pole for Hendrick Motorsports

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jeff Gordon is on his way to ending his 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season on a high note.

After powering his No. 24 Drive to End Hunger at 180.747 mph around Homestead-Miami Speedway, Gordon will start Sunday’s race from the pole position. This marks the first time in Gordon’s career that he will lead the field to green at the 1.5-mile track.

Gordon also reached another milestone for Hendrick Motorsports, giving the organization its 200th pole position.

“I’m really excited about that pole in our Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet SS,” Gordon said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been on the pole here, number one and to be [pole number] 200 for Hendrick Motorsports is really cool.”

Teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson advanced to the final qualifying session and will roll off the grid 11th and 12th, respectively, on Sunday. Kasey Kahne advanced to the second round, but was not able to make it to the final session, qualifying 23rd.

Below is a breakdown of how all four drivers fared in qualifying.

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 GREAT CLIPS CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 23rd
Best speed: 178.501 mph
Best time: 30.252 sec.
Average start at Homestead: 8.3

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: First
Best speed: 180.747 mph
Best time: 29.876 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 16.5

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 12th
Best speed: 179.964 mph
Best time: 30.006 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 15.8

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 88 NATIONAL GUARD CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 11th
Best speed: 179.402 mph
Best time: 30.100 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 19.7