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Chase points leader Johnson wins pole at Charlotte

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The Associated Press

Published: October 16, 2009

CONCORD, N.C. - Jimmie Johnson is returning to his dominant ways at the perfect time. His latest accomplishment: the fastest qualifying lap of the NASCAR season.

The three-time defending Sprint Cup champion and points leader looked the part Thursday, earning the pole at Lowe's Motor Speedway with a blistering lap of 192.376 mph.

Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet had the best grip in the rain-delayed qualifying in unseasonably cool conditions.

Mark Martin, sitting second in points, will start second after a lap of 191.816 mph. Kasey Kahne qualified third.

Johnson took the points lead for the first time this season after winning Sunday at California.

It was clear from the practice session Thursday that Johnson had the best car.

Before qualifying, it was announced Johnson will open his life for HBO Sports' award-winning "24/7" program.

HBO is already following the defending three-time champion to collect video for a four-episode, all-access series. The show will air beginning in January and focus on Johnson's preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500.

It is HBO's first venture into NASCAR.

KULWICKI DONATION: The family of late NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki is donating $1.9 million to the motorsports engineering program at UNC-Charlotte.

The trust fund, established by Kulwicki's stepmother, Thelma, was announced Thursday and is the largest gift ever made to the engineering school. It will be used for annual scholarships and the construction of a new building.

The school's board of trustees will rename the existing research laboratory the Alan D. Kulwicki Motorsports Laboratory in recognition of the donation.

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