Benson Sixth at Bristol

Qualifying normally doesn't mean much in NASCAR Winston Cup racing. But when it comes to the half-mile high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway it sure does.

Being close to the front of the field when the slamming and banging starts Saturday night will make life a whole lot easier for anyone at the front of the pack. That's why #10 Valvoline Pontiac driver Johnny Benson is one of the happiest drivers in the garage Friday night.

Benson qualified sixth - his best career starting spot at Bristol.

"Oh my gosh we are happy," Benson said. "James and the boys gave me a car I have never driven and its one of the best I've ever driven. We were ninth in practice and backed up that time so we are feeling really good about ourselves at this time. But, Saturday night is what really matters and that's what we are looking forward to."

Qualifying was delayed about 45 minutes because of rain.

Jeff Gordon won the pole and will be joined by Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the front
row.

Benson and the 42 other starters will practice for 45 minutes Friday night.
Saturday's race begins at 8 p.m. on TNT

1 Jeff Gordon 124.034
2 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 123.938
3 Michael Waltrip 123.906
4 Rusty Wallace 123.873
5 Bill Elliott 123.857
6 Johnny Benson 123.754
7 Ricky Craven 123.666
8 Kurt Busch 123.586
9 Ward Burton 123.570
10 Matt Kenseth 123.538
11 Jimmy Spencer 123.538
12 Bobby Labonte 123.443
13 Jeremy Mayfield 123.435
14 Ryan Newman* 123.356
15 Ricky Rudd 123.316
16 Mike Skinner 123.277
17 Casey Atwood 123.197
18 Jeff Green 123.142
19 Dale Jarrett 123.103
20 Joe Nemechek 122.858
21 Mark Martin 122.835
22 Kyle Petty 122.811
23 Kevin Harvick 122.693
24 Terry Labonte 122.638
25 Todd Bodine 122.631
26 Tony Stewart 122.623
27 Sterling Marlin 122.529
28 Brett Bodine 122.513
29 Derrike Cope 122.443
30 Robby Gordon 122.435
31 Scott Wimmer 122.380
32 Jimmie Johnson* 122.341
33 Mike Wallace 122.341
34 Bobby Hamilton 122.154
35 Jerry Nadeau 121.898
36 Jeff Burton 121.682

Provisional Starters
37 Dave Blaney 120.748
38 Elliott Sadler 121.543
39 John Andretti 121.075
40 Ken Schrader -
41 Hut Stricklin 121.136
42 Steve Park 121.512
43 Lance Hooper 119.388

Did Not Make Race
44 Hermie Sadler 121.205
45 Carl Long* 120.361
46 Morgan Shepherd 119.195
47 Tim Sauter