Jeff Gordon will start on the pole in his final Las Vegas start.
With a smile and a fist pump Jeff Gordon emerged from his No. 24 car to a loud ovation Friday having just bested the track-record (194.679 mph) and in the process capturing the pole-position for Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The pole is Gordon's first at Las Vegas and comes in what will be his final start at the 1.5-mile oval. In January he announced his retirement following the conclusion of the season. Gordon's only track win came in 2001, the same year he won his last of four Sprint Cup championships.
The final round of knockout qualifying saw Matt Kenseth, Kyle Larson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon successively post the fastest time. Starting alongside Gordon on the front row is Daytona 500 winner Joey Logano, followed by Kasey Kahne, Earnhardt and Larson.
For the third week in a row the session wasn't without controversy. Similar to what occurred a week ago, several cars were slow getting through inspection. Among those who never turned a lap last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway was Gordon, who was quite vocal about what he felt was a failure by NASCAR to expedite tech.
"What a turnaround from last week," Gordon said. "I'm just so proud of this team and keeping their heads up. Last week was a tough one, and this is a great, great way to start out weekend here in Las Vegas."
Moreover, Brad Keselowski's car was pulled from the grid after being initially approved when officials determined his team had flared the side-skirts on the No. 2 car.
Following some modifications and repassing inspection Keselowski, the defending Las Vegas winner, returned to pit road and qualified 11th. When asked about the infraction Keselowski deferred comment.
"I honestly don't know enough to speak intelligently about it so I will let the smart guys do that part," Keselowski said.
Five drivers -- Reed Sorenson, Mike Bliss, Travis Kvapil, Mike Wallace and Matt DiBenedetto -- failed to qualify for the Kobalt 400.
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