#48-Jimmie Johnson won the Budweiser Pole for the DIRECTV 500 at Martinsville Speedway with a speed of 96.736mph for his first pole of 2006, his 9th career pole in 153 races and first in 23 races, since Chicago last July. #26-Jamie McMurray will start on the outside pole, followed by #20-Tony Stewart, #12-Ryan Newman and #9-Kasey Kahne. #24-Jeff Gordon will start 8th, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will start 29th. #14-Sterling Marlin was the highest qualifier of the go or go homers, and will start 6th. #18-J.J Yeley is the highest starting rookie at 18th. #49-Jimmy Spencer couldn’t get the BAM Dodge up to speed and will miss the race along with #74-Cope, #61-Lepage [first dnq of the season], #78-Wallace, #89-Shepherd and #00-Sadler. No wrecks or major incidents.
For pole progression, qualifying speeds, order and starting lineup, see my Martinsville Starting Grid/Qualifying Page.(3-31-2006)
