Kenseth, Gordon still in the chase

BRISTOL, Tenn. - Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon continued their frantic push to qualify for NASCAR's Chase for the Championship, qualifying first and second Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie 500.

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Gordon was on the pole for just a few moments before Kenseth turned a lap of 127.300 mph in his Ford to snatch the top spot away. It's just the second career pole for Kenseth, who last started from the top spot three years ago in Dover, Del.

"It's been a while," Kenseth said. "It was pretty fun to beat (Gordon) off the pole because he's always known for being so good here."

Gordon, a five-time Bristol winner, turned a lap at 127.199 mph in his Chevrolet to secure the second starting spot. He had started the past three years from the pole in this race.

"It was a great lap, I'm real happy with it. But I kind of felt like we left a little bit out there," Gordon said. "All it took was somebody like Matt Kenseth to put a good lap together."

Kenseth and Gordon are among a handful of drivers trying hard to qualify for NASCAR's 10-race title hunt. There are just three events left to make it into the top 10 in the standings, and Gordon has pulled himself to 12th while Kenseth is 15th.

Gordon said he won't be foolish in his bid for a victory, but will instead try to run a safe race that will help him in the standings.

"I really want to come out of here with a strong run and I sure would like that to be a win," he said. "But the focus is just getting the best finish that we possibly can."

Kenseth had the same idea.

"Anything is possible," Kenseth said.