Jimmie Johnson celebrates his first Bud Pole of the season. Credit: Autostock

Johnson takes Newman off Bud Pole in Chicago

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) -- Nextel Cup points leader Jimmie Johnson won his first pole in more than a year, taking the top spot Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.

	Credit: CIA Stock Photo
	Lineup USG Sheetrock 400 Pos. Driver Make 1. J. Johnson Chevrolet 2. R. Newman Dodge 3. C. Mears Dodge 4. M. Kenseth Ford 5. B. Vickers Chevrolet Complete lineup, click here QuickestJimmie Johnson secures the pole in Chicago Too slowJunior wishes his lap could have been faster Sign up for TrackPass now BUY YOUR NEXTEL DRIVER PHONE

His speed of 188.147 mph knocked NASCAR's top qualifier, Ryan Newman, off the pole for Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400. Johnson, who drove a Chevrolet, and Newman led six drivers who surpassed Jeff Gordon's year-old track qualifying record of 186.942.

Newman averaged 188.055, followed by fellow Dodge driver Casey Mears at 187.676. Matt Kenseth was at 187.396 in a Ford, Brian Vickers at 187.324 in a Chevy and series runner-up Greg Biffle at 187.065 in a Ford.

"I don't think the qualifying speeds will translate exactly into what you see on the track in the race,'' Johnson said. "With the extra practice we have (Saturday), it allows us to mess up our car, and it allows the other guys to make theirs better.

"We've learned some things the last few weeks and they seem to be coming together right now.''

Johnson is not accustomed to starting on the pole and often has had trouble qualifying near the front.

He got the eighth pole of his career Friday, but his first since May 2004 at Charlotte. He did start from the top spot last month at Dover, but got the pole there because he was leading the points when qualifying was rained out.

"Our mind is always on the race,'' Johnson said. "It's always on how good are we going to be with five laps to go on that set of tires. That's always been our mind-set.

"The car feels fast to me and I'll qualify 15th, and I won't understand why. ... I really think it's been more style-related.''

Gordon qualified 14th. Fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr., struggling virtually all season, will start 25th.