Defending Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson has apparently stepped up his qualifying effort, capturing the pole for Sunday’s Dodge Dealer 400, the second race in the “Chase for the Nextel Cup.” The pole victory was just Johnson’s second of the season, but it was the second in the last three weeks and 11th of his Nextel Cup career.

The No.48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driver circled the “Monster Mile” in 23.261 seconds (154.765 m.p.h.).

“We knew we had a great car today unloading and stayed focused on qualifying trim,” said Johnson. “We felt like this first pit stall was going to be awfully important and luckily we were able to back it up.

“Qualifying has never really been my strong suit. I think when we do qualify well it shows how good we’re gonna be in race trim.”

Starting alongside Johnson will be Juan Pablo Montoya who posted a time of 23.402 seconds and led for most of the session.

“Chase” drivers Denny Hamlin (23.442) and Kurt Busch (23.450) will make up row two.

The remainder of the “Chase” field will start in the following order: Martin Truex Jr. (fifth), Kevin Harvick (seventh), Matt Kenseth (10th), Carl Edwards (15th), Kyle Busch (22nd), Jeff Gordon (27th), Tony Stewart (28th), Jeff Burton (36th) and Clint Bowyer (42nd).

STARTING LINEUP:

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