NASCAR Cup Series

Jimmie Johnson earned his first pole position in almost two years in posting the fastest time in qualifying today at Kentucky Speedway for Saturday night’s Quaker State 400. Johnson ran a lap of 181.818 mph in 29.700 seconds in his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet.

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M's Red-White-Blue Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Starting Position: 2nd How was your qualifying run? "Oh, it was alright. Certainly hoped for a little bit more there, but unfortunately didn't achieve what we needed to."

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S DOVER WHITE CHEVROLET – POLE WINNER - DID THAT KIND OF REMIND YOU OF A TROPHY TRUCK OUT IN THE DESERT? “I haven’t been off the ground in quite some time and there is a huge jump below the race track on the apron (laughs) just past the start/finish line."

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T) Qualified 8th YOU SAID ON THE RADIO THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BUY YOUR CREW A BEER. “Yeah, I’ve got this beer deal, I don’t know if you’ve heard about it: Miller Lite (smiles)."

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Kentucky Speedway and discussed the hot weather conditions, his thoughts on Matt Kenseth leaving Roush Racing and other topics.

GREG BIFFLE, No. 16 American Red Cross Ford Fusion (Qualified 11th) – “There was so much difference between when we were on the track earlier today than now. The track has so much more grip."

Each race weekend, selected SRT Motorsports Engineers, Penske Racing engineers and crew chiefs, drivers or engine specialists give their insight on the ‘Keys for Success’ for the upcoming race.

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M's Red-White-Blue Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Would you be excited to claim back-to-back NSCS wins in Kentucky? "We certainly would. It was a great race for us last year."

TONY STEWART, NO. 14 OFFICE DEPOT/MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Kentucky Speedway and discussed the challenges of racing at Kentucky Speedway, racing in the Lou Blaney memorial race and much more.

Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 American Red Cross Ford Fusion, spent time with media outside his hauler between the final practice and qualifying session at Kentucky Speedway Friday afternoon.