Bowyer, the 2008 Nationwide champion, lapped the 2.5-mile oval at 180.701 m.p.h. (49.806 seconds) in his No.29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. He recorded his seventh career pole in the series, but his first since November 2007 at Phoenix.

David Ragan will start on the outside pole after posting a lap at 180.133 m.p.h. (49.963 seconds).

Kevin Harvick qualified third, followed by Brad Keselowski and David Gilliland.

Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kerry Earnhardt, Michael Annett and Morgan Shepherd completed the top-10.

Terry Cook, Brian Keselowski and Mike Wallace failed to qualify.

Qualifying was interrupted by a thundershower, forcing a delay of more than two hours for track drying efforts. Forty-four drivers made their qualifying attempts with Kerry Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. still to go before rain fell on the track.

Today's race is scheduled to start around 8:00 p.m. (et).