Talladega NASCAR: Brian Vickers tops bizarre qualifying

NASCAR adjusted its new-for-2014 knockout qualifying format for Talladega after the previous round at the track featured long periods of inactivity before cars ran single laps in huge packs to try to use the slipstream essential for a fast lap.

But shortening the segments and splitting the field into two groups for the first part of qualifying made no difference, as again drivers mostly waited in the pitlane until the last possible moment then jostled to get to the tail of the drafting pack for a one-lap group run.

Confusion followed as several drivers had times disallowed when NASCAR ascertained that they had not actually starting their laps before the chequered flag.

With 46 cars entered and a large number of big names with guaranteed starts towards the tail of the field, Reed Sorenson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Justin Allgaier all became shock non-qualifiers in the almost random result - although Sorenson was thrown a lifeline when Joe Nemechek was excluded for a technical infringement.

Conversely, a handful of underdogs were thrust towards the front, with Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, Travis Kvapil, Terry Labonte and Michael Annett all unusual participants in the final 12-car pole shootout.

Jimmie Johnson was ultimately the best of the Chase participants in second, despite having only just made the cut in first qualifying, as Vickers took pole in his Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota.

Brad Keselowski, like Johnson in need of a win to progress into the next stage of the title battle after a tough 'Contender round' so far, qualified fifth behind AJ Allmendinger and Blaney, but will drop to the rear before the start due to an alternator change.

While many small teams appeared in the top half of the field, a host of big names found themselves at the rear of the pack - exemplified by an all-champion back row of Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

CURRENT CHASE STANDINGS:

Bottom four eliminated after Talladega