NSCS Pole Report: Ambrose makes it two in a row, winning pole at Sonoma

Marcos Ambrose during Friday's practice at Sonoma Raceway.
Credit: By Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Marcos Ambrose, one of the few Cup drivers categorized as a "road course ringer," proved his title as he earned the pole award for Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350. With a lap of 75.203 seconds, 95.262 mph, Ambrose won his second consecutive pole award and his second in 135 career Cup races. 

Ambrose will be a story to watch throughout the race; a heartbreaking loss in 2011 at Sonoma, getting Richard Petty back into victory lane, there is a lot of pressure on the driver of the No. 9.

Joining Ambrose on the front row is Jeff Gordon. Gordon, driver of the No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports remains winless this year but this is his fifth top-10 start of 2012 and his 15th in 20 races at Sonoma.

Starting lineup:

1. Marcos Ambrose
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Jimmie Johnson
4. Greg Biffle
5. Martin Truex Jr.
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Kyle Busch
8. Kurt Busch
9. Matt Kenseth
10. Ryan Newman
11. Carl Edwards
12. Juan Pablo Montoya
13. Brad Keselowski
14. Joey Logano
15. Kasey Kahne
16. Denny Hamlin
17. AJ Allmendinger
18. Bobby Labonte
19. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
20. Casey Mears
21. Brian Vickers
22. Scott Speed
23. Paul Menard
24. Tony Stewart
25. Jamie McMurray
26. Kevin Harvick
27. David Gilliland
28. Boris Said
29. David Ragan
30. Aric Almirola
31. Regan Smith
32. Dave Blaney
33. David Mayhew
34. Robby Gordon
35. Jeff Burton
36. Joe Nemechek
37. Chris Cook
38. JJ Yeley
39. Travis Kvapil
40. Josh Wise
41. Tomy Drissi
42. Landon Cassill
43. Stephen Leicht

Failing to qualify: Brian Simo

Tune into the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on TNT, Sunday at 3pm EST.