Harvick captures pole spot for Chevy Roll & Roll 400

RICHMOND, Va. -- Kevin Harvick grabbed the pole Friday night for the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway, but most of the attention was on drivers positioning themselves for a final shot at earning a berth in the Chase for the championship.

Heading into the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Elliott Sadler are separated by just 62 points in the battle for the final two positions in the 10-man, 10-race playoff that begins next weekend in New Hampshire.

Other than the honor of winning the pole, most of the emphasis on qualifying is on gaining a good starting spot in order to choose a strategic pit for the race.

Harvick, well out of contention for the Chase in 15th place, got his pick of pits after his lap of 128.425 mph gave the Richard Childress Racing driver his fourth career pole and second of the season.

He was followed by Greg Biffle at 128.309, rookie Travis Kvapil at 128.163 -- giving him his best career start -- Mark Martin at 127.968 and Kurt Busch at 127.859. Biffle, Martin and defending Cup champion Busch have already clinched spots in the Chase.

Four-time series champion Gordon -- 12th, 30 points behind 10th-place McMurray -- did the best job among the quintet of contenders, qualifying sixth at 127.672.