Jimmie Johnson wins Watkins Glen pole

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates winning his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole on a road course

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Jimmie Johnson took the pole for the Hellua Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen by turning the fastest lap in qualifying to earn the top spot for Sunday's race at Watkins Glen International. Johnson turned a lap of 123.633 mph to top the 46-car field.

It was the three-time series champion's first career Sprint Cup series road course pole and 20th overall. He started in the number one spot at Watkins Glen back in 2004 when qualifying was rained out and Johnson was the point leader.

"We've made a lot of progress the road courses," said Johnson. “In Infineon, I had a speeding violation and was able to drive up through all the cars and find myself in fourth. So I think we're making great gains. I'm becoming much more aware of what these cars need on road courses."

Kurt Busch will start outside Johnson on the front row with a lap of 123.619 mph.

Denny Hamlin, Marcos Ambrose and David Stremme rounded out the top five.

Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, defending race winner Kyle Busch, Boris Said and Juan Pablo Montoya and completed the top-10.

Three drivers failed to qualify for the race: Joe Nemechek, Brian Simo and David Gilliland.

Sunday's race scheduled to take the green flag at 2 p.m. (ET).

Results

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie