For ninth time this season, rain washes out Cup quals

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- For the ninth time this season -- and for the third time in six races in the Chase for the Sprint Cup -- rain forced the cancellation of qualifying for a Cup event.

With time trials rained out Friday, and the grid set by owner points, Chase leader Jimmie Johnson will start from the pole in Sunday's Tums QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Second-place Jeff Burton will start beside Johnson on the outside of the front row.

An important perk that goes to the pole winner is the first choice of pit stalls. Accordingly, Johnson, winner of three of the past four races at the .526-mile track, will pit in the box closest to the exit of pit road.

Drivers in the Chase will start from positions one through 12, with Greg Biffle third behind Johnson and Burton. Carl Edwards is fourth on the grid, followed by Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin.

"Pit stall pick is really important, and we all have a shot at a good pit stall," said Johnson, who leads Burton by 69 points with five races left in the Chase. "Obviously, No. 1 is the best."

With all the championship contenders at the front of the field, Burton predicts an interesting race on Sunday.

"I think it's exciting that all the guys who are racing for the championship are starting the race together," said Burton, who won the Bank of America 500 last Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "If I can keep [Johnson] from leading the first lap, maybe he won't lead a lap.

"I think it's fun all starting together, especially at a short track. I think it puts the focus right on us."

Scott Speed will make his Cup debut in the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota. On the basis of fewer qualifying attempts this season than other cars required to make the field on speed, the No. 09 of Sterling Marlin and the No. 75 of Derrike Cope did not make the 43-car field.