Gordon Qualifies Third for Pepsi 400

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2002) -- Defending NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon qualified third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in this morning’s rain-postponed Pepsi 400 qualifying session. Driving the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, Gordon posted a quick time of 48.841 seconds and a speed of 184.271 mph. Rookie Jimmie Johnson will start 16th in the No. 48 Lowe’s Monte Carlo after a qualifying time of 49.252 seconds and a 182.734-mph speed. Two-time Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte qualified 36th in the No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevy at 49.704 seconds and 181.072 mph. Joe Nemechek will start 43rd in the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevrolet after a 49.709-second time and a speed of 181.054 mph. The Pepsi 400 pole-sitter is Kevin Harvick at 48.638 seconds and 185.040 mph.