Hendrick teammates qualify at Michigan

BROOKLYN, Mich. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. led his Hendrick Motorsports teammates during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying on Saturday at Michigan International Speedway and picked up the 15th starting spot.

Earnhardt, driver of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, has recorded one win, four top-five finishes and eight top-10s in 23 Cup starts at Michigan. In addition, Earnhardt has a 10.7 average finish in the last 12 races there, tying him for third overall among active drivers. 

Mark Martin scored the 19th starting spot for Sunday’s 400-mile event. The driver of the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet has earned five wins at the two-mile speedway, which is a personal best for the 52-year-old driver at any track. Martin, who ties fellow competitor Bill Elliott for the most top-10 finishes (29) at Michigan, also has posted 17 top-five finishes in his 50 career Cup starts there. 

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet, will roll off the grid in 21st. In 18 Cup starts at Michigan, Johnson has two top-five finishes and seven top-10s. 

Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, will start 31st on Sunday. In 36 Cup starts at Michigan, Gordon has two wins, 18 top-five finishes and 23 top-10s.

The race will be televised at 1 p.m. ET Sunday on TNT.