CUP: Final Four Is A Hendrick Sweep

Sprint Cup

CUP: Final Four Is A Hendrick Sweep

Jeff Gordon wins Talladega pole; Hendrick teammates are 2-3-4...

Mike Hembree | Posted April 16, 2011 Talladega, AL

Jeff Gordon and crew with the pole award for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

If Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 is all about strength in the two-car draft, Hendrick Motorsports is all set.

The four Hendrick Sprint Cup drivers swept the top four positions Saturday in qualifying for Sunday’s race. Jeff Gordon won the pole at 178.248 mph, and he was followed, in order, by teammates Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The first driver not in a Hendrick car was fifth-place Paul Menard, who drives for Richard Childress Racing.

The result marked only the third time in NASCAR history that a team has taken the top four qualifying spots. The last time was by Roush Racing in 2004.

In the second five Saturday were Landon Cassill, David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Brian Vickers and Clint Bowyer.

For at least the first part of the race, if they so choose, the Hendrick drivers can link up in two-car drafts and cruise along at the front of the pack.

The pole, Gordon’s first of the season, was the 70th of his career, breaking a tie with Cale Yarborough for third place in that category in NASCAR’s all-time standings (Richard Petty and David Pearson are one-two in poles won).

Failing to qualify were Michael McDowell, Mike Skinner and Tony Raines.

Sam Hornish Jr.’s qualifying speed was disallowed when his car failed post-qualifying inspection. The car, to be driven by Robby Gordon, will start from the rear of the field Sunday.

Qualifying was the only on-track activity for Sprint Cup drivers Saturday. The race is scheduled for 1 p.m. (ET) Sunday.

Mike Hembree is NASCAR Editor for SPEED.com and has been covering motorsports for 29 years. He is a six-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award.

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