Gordon earns outside pole position in Charlotte qualifying

CONCORD, N.C. -- Jeff Gordon, currently eighth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings, will start Saturday night's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway from the outside pole position.

Gordon led the four Hendrick Motorsports drivers during Thursday night's qualifying session, finishing with the second-fastest time.

"I'm so proud of this team," Gordon said. "That's a great place to start this race."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was next, qualifying ninth.

Kasey Kahne, who set a track record in the first round of qualifying that was eclipsed in the second round, qualified 19th. Jimmie Johnson was just behind him and will start Saturday night's race in 21st position.

"Just didn't have the speed on that final run there," Johnson said.

Below is a rundown of how all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers performed in Thursday night's qualifying session.

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 PEPSI CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 19th
Best speed: 196.271 mph
Best time: 27.513 sec.
Average start at Charlotte: 9.7

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 2nd
Best speed: 197.217 mph
Best time: 27.381 sec.
Average start at Charlotte: 10.7

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 21st
Best speed: 196.171 mph
Best time: 27.527 sec.
Average start at Charlotte: 7.1

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 88 DIET MOUNTAIN DEW CHEVROLET SS
Qualified: 9th
Best speed: 194.953 mph
Best time: 27.699 sec.
Average start at Charlotte: 15.6