Gordon to start seventh at Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- A trip to the championship round is on the line Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, and Jeff Gordon will have a favorable starting position.

Gordon made the second and final round of qualifying on Friday, ultimately earning the seventh spot.

"That's what this team has been doing all year long is stepping up when it mattered most," Gordon said. "I'm looking forward to us doing that with our Axalta Chevrolet this Sunday."

Of Gordon's Hendrick Motorsports teammates, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were up next in 15th and 16th, respectively, and Kasey Kahne will roll off the grid 22nd.

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

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 FARMERS INSURANCE CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 22nd
Best speed: 139.969 mph
Best time: 25.720 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 11.3

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 7th
Best speed: 141.665 mph
Best time: 25.412 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 10.9

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S PATRIOTIC CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 15th
Best speed: 140.356 mph
Best time: 25.649 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 11.6

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 88 KELLEY BLUE BOOK CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 16th
Best speed: 140.285 mph
Best time: 25.662 sec.
Average start at Phoenix: 17.0