Burton sets sights on return to Victory Lane

~ The pole-sitter for Sunday's race hasn't won since 2001.

JOLIET, Ill. -- Jeff Burton figured that if he kept qualifying well, eventually he'd win another pole.

He did that Friday, taking the top spot for Sunday's race at Chicagoland Speedway with a lap of 181.647 mph. Earlier this year, Burton won the pole for the season-opening Daytona 500.

Now he hopes the same logic applies to getting back to Victory Lane.

"Qualifying is like racing," Burton said. "If you continue to qualify well, you'll eventually get your poles. Same with racing: If you continue to race well, you'll eventually get your wins."

Brian Vickers qualified second Friday, followed by Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson.

Last year's Chicagoland winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., will start 25th.

After several disappointing seasons, Burton is experiencing a resurgence at Richard Childress Racing this year. He has 10 top-10 finishes in 17 races and enters Sunday's race seventh in the points.

But Burton still hasn't won a race since 2001. That might be about to change, as Burton believes his No. 31 crew has made him a threat to win again.

"I think we can win Sunday," Burton said. "I think our team has progressed to a point where when we come to the racetrack, I think we have a chance to win. I really do."