Gordon repeats Sears Point pole win

And if he repeats last year's form he will go on to win the race. His best lap time of 98.519 mph was better than the course record of 98.711mph he set in 1998.

After qualifying he said, 'That was fun. Usually when it's fast it's a handful. But that was really good.'

Gordon knows the importance of pole position at Sears Point, and will hope he can become the fourth winner from pole in 11 races there.

Gordon is joined on the front row by rookie Tony Stewart , who seemed a bit disappointed.

'I made two mistakes. I didn't get up the hill hard enough and I got into turn 11 too deep,' he said.

'You probably could have put a semi between me and the tyres down there. I know I gave up some time.'

Third was Jerry Nadeau, and in fourth came Rusty Wallace, who has won twice here.

All the drivers had to get used to unfamiliar right turns on the course since Sears Point has been altered since last year's race.

The 'Chute,' an 890-foot high-speed bypass between turns four and seven was modified with a hard-breaking exit turn.

Gordon said this made overtaking a challenge.

You're going to pass now coming into turn 11; that's a great passing area,' he said.

'The only problem is you've got to wait a whole lap to get there again if you don't make it.'