Rain Washes Out Loudon Qualifying

LOUDON, N.H. (Sept. 18, 2004) – Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will start on the front row Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway after NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying was rained out Friday. Set by owner points, the 43-car field will be led to the green flag by Gordon’s No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. The four-time champion currently leads the NEXTEL Cup championship standings. Johnson, second in points, will line up as the outside pole-sitter in the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevy. The El Cajon, Calif. native will be followed by teammate Terry Labonte, who will start 23rd in the No. 5 Kellogg’s Racing Monte Carlo. Driving the No. 25 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolet, rookie Brian Vickers will start 24th. Saturday’s on-track activities will proceed as scheduled, weather permitting. The first NEXTEL Cup practice will begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the final “Happy Hour” session at 11:10 a.m. ET. Sunday’s event will air on the TNT network and is slated for a 1 p.m. ET green flag.