Watkins Glen qualifying: Johnson earns pole

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2009) – Jimmie Johnson earned his first pole position of the 2009 season after posting the fastest time during Friday’s qualifying session at Watkins Glen International. Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, navigated the 2.45-mile road course in 71.34 seconds to earn his first pole at The Glen. Johnson also started first in 2004, but that was by virtue of holding the points lead after qualifying was canceled. The pole sitter has gone onto Victory Lane nine times in the last 26 Cup events at Watkins Glen, and Johnson will be looking for his first career road course win when the green flag drops on Sunday. Race coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, will line up 28th, while Jeff Gordon will start 31st in his No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will roll off the grid in 32nd in his No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet.