Mayfield's Shoot-Out pole

The event is open to any driver who claimed a pole position last season, along with all previous winners of the event. Qualifying for the event, which runs over 70 laps and features a mandatory pit-stop, is held by a random draw.

Mayfield, whose Evernham Motorsports Dodge will run a special livery marking Sunday's NHL All-Star Game, has a best finish of fifth in three previous Shoot-Out appearances.

"Maybe that means I'll lead at least one lap," said Mayfield. "This hasn't been my favourite race."

Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who has two victories in the Shootout, will start from second position, a welcome change after qualifying 18th or lower for the previous two years. Jamie McMurray will start third, with Dave Blaney fourth.

Pre-event favourite Dale Earnhardt Jr was out of luck, drawing the 19th - and last - starting spot. However, the DEI ace probably won't be too concerned, as he won the event from the same position last year.

"History just did repeat itself," said Earnhardt. "I'd like to think we'll be able to make a run for it. It'll probably be tough to win from the back with the new [aero] package that we've got."

Road course specialist Boris Said will start his first-ever Superspeedway event from eighth position. Ryan Newman, who claimed 11 pole positions last season, will start from 16th.

Jeremy Mayfield Dodge
Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
Jamie McMurray Dodge
Dave Blaney Dodge
Kevin Harvick Chevrolet
Terry Labonte Chevrolet
Mark Martin Ford
Boris Said Chevrolet
Elliott Sadler Ford
Bill Elliott Dodge
Rusty Wallace Dodge
Bobby Labonte Chevrolet
Mike Skinner Chevrolet
Ken Schrader Dodge
Dale Jarrett Ford
Ryan Newman Dodge
Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet
Tony Stewart Chevrolet
Dale Earnhardt Jr Chevrolet