Qualifying Report - Michigan

QUALIFYING RESULTS:
1. J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 38.399 seconds, 187.505 miles per hour
2. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 38.400 seconds, 187.500 miles per hour
3. Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 38.538 seconds, 186.829 miles per hour
4. Ryan Newman, Dodge, 38.586 seconds, 186.596 miles per hour
5. Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 38.611 seconds, 186.475 miles per hour
31. Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 39.025 seconds, 184.497 miles per hour
37. John Andretti, Dodge, 39.272 seconds, 183.337 miles per hour

Bobby Labonte and the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team may not have been happy with their qualifying lap, but they are confident that things will be different on Sunday. The 2000 Nextel Cup champion owns three wins at the two-mile oval.

J.J. Yeley broke the stranglehold that Ryan Newman has had on qualifying day. Yeley captured his first pole award of his NASCAR Nextel Cup career. Jimmie Johnson stuck his entry on the outside pole. The two will lead the field to the green flag of the Citizens Bank 400 on Sunday.

Michigan International Speedway may be tucked away in a quiet area known as the Irish Hills, but the track is known for fast, side-by-side racing. Each competitor easily broke the 180 mph barrier during the qualifying session.

"We just could never find anything that would help the car turn," said Labonte. "It was fairly hot this afternoon. The car lost some overall grip. That didn't help matters. But, we have plenty of power. That is key here at Michigan. You can move around this track and figure out where you car is the best. We'll be fine for Sunday."

John Andretti and the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge team continue to make gains on their Dodge Charger. He will start the race from the 37th position. Andretti is making his return to Petty Enterprises this weekend. Ironically, his first start for the legendary organization came at Michigan in 1997.

"Our car was tight this morning, but as the track heated up, it went to the loose side," sounded Andretti. "I'm not really sure why that happened. I know that Billy (Wilburn, crew chief) and the guys will work their magic tomorrow during practice. We'll be fine. It is a pleasure to work with this team again. Hopefully we can rekindle some of the success that we've had in the past."

Friday's qualifying session was televised live nationally by SPEED Channel and broadcast on MRN Radio. Sunday's race will be televised live on TNT and broadcast live on MRN Radio. The race is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. (EST).