CONCORD, N.C. -- The starting lineup has been set for the first race of the playoffs at Darlington Raceway, and Chase Elliott will lead the charge for Hendrick Motorsports.
The driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE secured the pole position for Sunday's race. Teammate William Byron will start in third after his first Cup Series win at Daytona pushed him up the ranks. Alex Bowman will be right beside Byron in fourth and Jimmie Johnson will round out the crew in 22nd.
The starting lineup is based on a new metric system put in place on Aug. 6. Points position is weighted at 35%; finishing position from the previous race is for 50%; and the fastest race lap makes up 15%. Since Elliott placed second at Daytona last Saturday behind Byron, he had a higher chance of securing the pole.
The start of the playoffs and the Southern 500 will be Sunday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.